Pattern of Acute Poisoning in Children

Abstract

This is a retrospective study of cases of childhood poisoning attending the paediatric emergency unit in Basrah province from January 2010 to January 2011 . One hundred and fifty one cases of children aged 12 years and below, cases due to acute poisoning were analysed, the majority of cases were aged between 1 – 5 years 71.5% , the male to female ratio was 1.3 :1, the most common toxicities occurred by ingestion of kerosene 47.01%, medications35.09%, organophosphrus 9.95% ,House items 5.97%, Co poisoning 1.98%. There were seasonal variations of poisoning events with a high frequency in spring 30.46%, and in summer 29.80%. on admission 85% of patients were complaining from mild to moderate symptoms , and 15% had severe symptoms . no fatalities occur during the study period.