Analysis of ingestion admissions in a midsized pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

Abstract Background Pediatric ingestion of toxic substances is a complicated cause of morbidity. Currently, there is limited literature on toxic ingestions resulting in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. Methods A retrospective study was conducted to quantify the number and financial costs of admissions for toxic ingestion. Secondary objectives were to determine common types of ingestions and interventions as well as examine the relationship between intentional ingestion status and patient age. Data were obtained from a retrospective review of records from April 2016 through August 2018 from a PICU located in the Midwestern USA. Results There were 360 unique patient encounters used in primary analyses. Intentional ingestion and suicidal ideation documented in 72% and 54% of patients, respectively. Patients younger than nine had an 87% (95% confidence interval: 80%, 92%) lower risk for intentional ingestion. The median lengths of stay were 1.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.0, 1.0) days with a median cost of $2498 (IQR: $1870, $3592) USD. There was no patient mortality identified in the sample. Conclusion The types of ingestions appeared to match those of the National Poison Control Database. Lengths of stay were short and had a non-nominal cost. A greater age was associated with an increased risk of intentional ingestions.