Investigation of the forensic cases who had beenadmitted to pediatric emergency department, Düzce University Research Hospital

Objective: The purpose of this study is to reveal the demographic epidemiological features and to determine the reasons for the admittence, admittence time, length of hospital stay and mortality rate. So we wanted to increase awareness of pediatric forensic cases and create database in order to make national and international comparisons on characteristics and consequences of pediatric forensic cases which admitted to Düzce University Research Hospital. Material and Method: 605 pediatric forensic cases who applied to Düzce University Medical Faculty Hospital Pediatric Emergency Unit between 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2014 and patients up to 18 years old were analyzed retrospectively. All cases were examined according to their age, gender, time of admittance, admittance type, reasons, place of residence and place of birth. The data that obtained from study results were evaluated using methods of descriptive methods, t test and chi-square test were calculated by statistical analysis. Results were expressed as mean ±SD of confidence interval. Results: 590 patients were included in this study. While the mean age of the boys was 6,6 years and their standard deviation was 5,6 years,the mean age of the girls was 8,4 years and their standard deviation is 5,6 years. 319 patients (54%) were females, 271 (46%) were male. The number of patients aged 0-6 years (n=342, %57,9) were more than others (p<0,0001). Most of the admittances were in the summer.The most frequently admittance time zone was determined between 16:00- 23:59. The first reason of the admittance was accidental drug use (n=162, %27,4) and second one was suicidal drug use (n=104, %17,7). 467 (%80) cases who applied to our Hospital Pediatric Emergency Unit through the province and 123 cases (%20) applied from outside the province. There was no case of death due to forensic cases. v Conclusion: In our study, the majority of forensic cases who were at 0-6 age group admitted to hospital due to intoxication (n=303, %51,3) and it had been realized these cases showed that these intoxications could be prevented by taking precautions. Therefore, toxicants should be stored in package having lid lock, and should be paid attention to security measures at home and education for parents should be given. Intoxication cases can be reduced by these necessary precautions and the low morbidity and mortality rates might be obtained by early diagnosis and treatment methods. The health care personel should be educated about update knowledge about intoxication and Emergency Units should be equipped by healthcare facilities. Key Words: Pediatric emergency department; forensic case; pediatric patient; intoxication