Spectrum of pediatric ingestion and poisoning in the emergency department: a retrospective cohort study

Objective: To describe the etiology, demographics, clinical profile, and outcome of ingestion and poisoning in the pediatric age group in an urban tertiary care hospital. Methodology: This descriptive observational study was conducted in the Pediatric Emergency Unit of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from September 2017 to September 2018. The study included all children <= 16 years of age who presented with a history of ingestion of any potentially harmful substance. Results: Out of 73 children, 45 (62%) were males and 28 (38%) females. Mean age was 5.3 +/- 4.4 years. Only 8 had a history of intentional poisoning who were between 14-16 years of age and predominantly females (75%). The rest were accidental ingestions mostly between the ages of 1-6 years and predominantly males (64%). Foreign bodies were the most ingested substance (32.8%), followed by ingestion of therapeutic medications. Most children were asymptomatic (63%) while symptomatic children had vomiting (10%) and drowsiness (7%) as the most frequent presenting symptom. Most of the children (72%) were stable for discharge. Conclusion: Foreign bodies and prescription drugs were the most common substances ingested. Most of the ingestions were accidental. Children under the age of 5 years were most vulnerable. Intentional poisoning was seen in the teenage group. Safety measures and education may help in the reduction of pediatric poisoning.