A retrospective analysis of childhood poisonings

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of poisoning cases, to evaluate the results, to compare with other studies and to determine the precautions to be taken. Our aim is to establish our regional poisoning profile, to raise awareness about early diagnosis and treatment approaches and to contribute to the prevention of pediatric poisoning. Materials and Methods: 298 patients aged between 0-17 years who were admitted to Dicle University Medical Faculty Pediatric Emergency Department with the diagnosis or pre-diagnosis of poisoning between January 2015 and October 2018 are included in the study. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients are evaluated retrospectively. Results: 47.3% of the cases were female and 52.7% were male. Poisonings were most common in 2 and 3 aged groups. Drug-induced poisoning was the most common cause and central nervous system drugs were the most commonly used. Corrosive/caustic substances were the most common cause of non-drug poisoning. 90.6% of the patients received oral poisoning agent. 86.6% of the poisonings were caused by accidents and 10.1% by suicide. Accident poisonings were mostly seen in the 2-year-old group and suicide poisonings were seen in the 10-14-year-old group. Conclusion: Children are vulnerable because they do not have sufficient knowledge of hazardous substances and harmful substances. Individuals living with them should keep the products with toxicity properties out of the reach of children, and should not have unnecessary medicines and chemical products at home. In addition, the application of the locked lid should become widespread and legal regulations should be made and the use of non-prescription drugs should be completely prohibited. We think that the basis of treatment is protection. Keywords: Poisoning, pediatrics, emergency, child, medicine.