Frequency and Management of Drug and Chemical Poisoning among Children Attending an Emergency Department in a Single Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundUnintentional poisoning is one of the common medical emergencies in children that leads to morbidity and mortality. Medications and chemical agents play a major role in these adverse events resulting in social, economic, and health consequences.Aims of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate the frequency and management of poisoning among children attending the emergency room at East Jeddah Hospital, Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis study was a retrospective chart review of all acute pediatric poisoning incidences in children (0-16 years of age) from October-21-2016 to March-03-2020 who were admitted to the emergency department of East Jeddah Hospital, Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Data was analyzed via SPSS software.ResultsA total of 69 incidences of acute poisoning were admitted to the emergency room at East Jeddah Hospital; males were 55.1 %. Most children were under 5 years of age (59.4%). Unintentional poisoning occurred among 56.5% of observed cases of which 52.2% occurred in children younger than 5 years; 7.20% (5) patients were 12 to 16 years of age and had deliberate self-poisoning. The association between type of poisoning and age groups was statistically significant (Chi-square = 28.5057, p = 0.0001). Most incidences occurred at home (92.8%). Medicines were the most common cause of poisoning (73.9%). An excessive dose of prescribed medicine poisoning accidents was reported in 10.1% cases. Analgesics such as paracetamol were the most documented medication associated with poisoning (39.1%) followed by anticonvulsants and other central nervous system acting medicines (18.8 %). The most common route of poisoning was oral administration (81.2%). One mortality case was documented due to poisoning.ConclusionA total of 69 incidences of acute poisoning in children occurred in a single hospital over 3 years. Most incidents were unintentional and occurred in children younger than 5 years of age. Medicines were the most common cause of poisoning. Analgesics such as paracetamol were the most common documented medicine associated with poisoning.