Accidental childhood poisoning in Paediatrics department of a tertiary care facility: A retrospective review

Abstract

Background: Accidental childhood poisoning is a recognized preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. This study
was aimed at determining the prevalence, pattern, and outcome of childhood poisoning among children in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Material and Methods: Medical records of all cases of accidental childhood poisoning admitted into Children’s emergency room (CHER) of the health facility of study between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively identified and relevant data extracted and analyzed using
SPSS version 22.

Results: Out of the 7,700 children that presented to CHER over a 5- year period, 42 were cases of poisoning, giving prevalence rate of 0.5%. Of the 42 cases, only 20 case notes were retrieved. The male to female ratio was 2.3:1 while the ages ranged between 6months and 14 years with the mean age of 3.06±2.88. Kerosene poisoning had the highest proportion of 50.0% (10/20) with the overall mortality rate of 5.0% (1/20).The relationship between age, place of residence and outcome in poisoned children was statistically significant (p = 0.038, 0.045 respectively).

Conclusion: Accidental childhood poisoning is common in Abakaliki. Kerosene still remained the major agent while male toddlers were most  vulnerable. There is need to intensify enlightenment campaigns and education of the public about the hazard of improper storage of kerosene and other implicated substances at home.

Keywords: Accidental poisoning, Childhood, Kerosene