ACUTE POISONING IN CHILDREN

Objectives: To find out the common causes of poisoning in infants and children. Methodology: In a retrospective cross-sectional study we evaluated all infants Et children who were hospitalized due to acute poisoning between 2001 to 2004 in two Ahwaz university hospitals. Results: One hundred forty three cases were evaluated, 71% of poisonings occurred in the age range of 1-5 years. Causes were accidental ingestion (77.8%), given by others (16%) and suicide attempts (6.2%). The most common ingested substances were petroleum products (16%). Alkaline cleaners(12.6%), Opiates (11.9%), Tricyclic Antidepressants (8.4%) and Benzodiazepines (7.7%). About 2.8% of cases were multi-drug poisoning. Opiates were the most common agents which accounted for poisoning in below 6 months old. Decreased level of consciousness (67.6%) and vomiting (50%) were the most common signs and symptoms. There was no mortality in this study. Conclusion: Petroleum products are still common source of poisoning but their frequency is decreasing. Parents should be educated about the harms of some herbal agents containing opiates and on safe storage of medicines and household products.