A multi-centric retrospective study of poisoning in children in 3 Medical College Hospitals across 3 different states in India

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence and types of poisoning vary in different geographical locations. Objectives: To study poisoning among children in 3 medical college centres across 3 different states in India. Method: A multi-centric retrospective study was conducted from March 2013 to February 2014. The collected data was tabulated and analysed and results were evaluated. Results: A total of 290 cases of poisoning in the 3 Medical Colleges was included in the study. Poisoning cases constituted about 1% of hospital admissions. The commonest age group was 1-5 years. Kerosene oil constituted 30.3% of poisoning cases. Snake bite envenomation constituted 10% of poisoning. Corrosive poisons constituted 7.5% and drugs 6.0% of poisoning. There were 12 deaths. Conclusions: Kerosene oil was the commonest cause of poisoning in children in all 3 centres. Envenomation due to snake bites was the next common cause. Overall mortality rate was 4.1%.