Pattern of Acute Pediatric Poisoning at Banha Poisoning Control Center, Egypt: One-Year Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Acute children poisoning is considered a serious issue worldwide, and a common cause of children morbidity and mortality. It is a preventable burden on emergency departments and healthcare facilities. Thus, surveillance of epidemiology and patterns of children acute poisoning in each country is beneficial to define the scope of the problem and its management regarding prevention and treatment. The aim of this work is to study the patterns of children acute poisoning in Banha poisoning control center, Banha University, Egypt. Methods: One year prospective cross-sectional study of the pattern of acute poisoning of children equal to or less than 18 years old, who presented to Banha poisoning control center from January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2019. The analyzed data included demographics, mode and route of poisoning, causative poisonous agents, clinical presentation and patients' outcome. Results: The peak of poisoning occurred in children from 2 to 6 year old accounted for (36.5%) of all cases. Accidental poisoning was the predominant method representedrepresented 82.1% of all cases. Pharmaceutical drugs were the most common cause of poisoning (42.3%) followed by household cleaning products (27.8%). In addition, poisoning occurred more indoors (91%) and in the summer season (45.2%). The majority of poisoned cases presented by mild symptoms (70.9%) and mainly were gastrointestinal (70.8%). As regards the outcome, most of the cases recovered and discharged. Conclusion: Pediatric acute poisoning is still a matter of great concern in Egypt. More attention and prevention strategies are needed.