Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Acute Poisoning Cases: Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: Acute poisoning is a major cause of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially altering exposure risks and care-seeking behaviors. This study compares pediatric poisoning characteristics before and during the pandemic.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Gazi University PED between January 2018 and June 2022. Patients aged 1 month-18 years diagnosed with poisoning were identified via ICD codes grouped into before pandemic and during pandemic cases. A systematic random sampling yielded 178 BP (before the pandemic) and 94 DP (during the pandemic) cases with complete data. Demographic and clinical properties of cases were analyzed.

Results: The mean age was significantly higher during the pandemic (BP:7.63±0.49; DP:9.27±0.69). A higher prevalence of chronic diseases was noted in DP cases (BP:0.29±0.049; DP:0.57±0.100). Hotline consultations were higher in DP period (54.5% vs.72.5%) while hospitalization rates were lower (55% vs. 35.2%). While suicide attempts were significantly higher in women compared to men before the pandemic, this difference disappeared during the pandemic period (BP:8.6% of males vs. 37.2% of females; DP: 25% of males vs. 39% of females).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pediatric poisoning profiles, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies and adaptive emergency protocols.