ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of childhood intoxications that were hospitalized in our hospital.

Sixty children hospitalized with the diagnosis of poisoning between January 2004 and January 2005 were evaluated retrospectively regarding age, sex, toxic agent, the way and the form of intoxication, clinical signs and symptoms, methods of the treatment, the hospitalization period and the outcome.

A total of 60 patients were included with a male to female ratio of 29/31. The range of age of the cases was between 1 month and 16 years with a peak incidence at the age of 2-6 years. The most commonly ingested agents were drugs (83%); most of these drugs were antidepressants, especially amytriptilin. Central nervous system findings were the commonest of all findings. Ninety percent of the cases were accidental, while 10% of them were suicidal. Main treatment modalities were gastric lavage, activated charcoal, antidotes and supportive therapy. Nearly all of the cases recovered completely, one patient was discharged by her parents’ consent. No mortalirt occurred.

Intoxications are preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Although there are important improvements in intoxication management, the most effective method is prevention.

Keywords: Poisoning, child, intoxication management