Accidental Ingestion of Intoxications (Drugs and Nondrug Materials) Among Pediatric Patients: A Multicenter Study in Bahrain Royal Medical Services Hospitals.

Abstract

The presence of accidental ingestion of toxins in children is a widespread and preventable issue. Even though most children are asymptomatic, prompt presentation and management have a significant impact on mortality. Each toxin has a different presentation and complication, with some resulting in organ injury. It is essential to highlight the reasons for accidental ingestions to prevent fatal consequences. This retrospective cross-sectional study was done in Royal Medical Services hospitals, Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, and King Hamad University Hospital in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Our study evaluates the incidence of accidental consumption of drugs and nonpharmacological toxins in children under the age of 14 years old who were admitted from the year 2022-2023. A total of 95 children were included, and the primary outcome was to recognize the most common toxin ingested and estimate the total number of accidental ingestions in two major hospitals in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The most common occurrence was observed in children aged between 2 and 3 years. Medications were the most prevalent type of intoxication, representing 55.6% of cases in 2022 and 56.1% in 2023. Among the 95 children, 48 were symptomatic, while 47 were asymptomatic. The highest rates of asymptomatic cases were observed in children who ingested medications. The average time between toxins ingestion and presentation to the emergency department was 90 min. All patients were discharged home in good condition, with zero mortality rate. Despite the fact that our research reported zero mortality, accidental ingestion of intoxications remains a serious and significant matter. Raising community awareness and sensibility through social and medical campaigns are highly encouraged, to ensure that not only caregivers but also people of all age groups recognize these urgent incidents promptly and respond appropriately. Additionally, intensified preventive measures involving closer supervision of minors and educating children themselves about the risks can also decrease the number of voluntary intoxication cases.