Spectrum of Poisoning and Outcome among Children in a Tertiary Hospital, North-East Nigeria: A 20 Years Restrospective Review, 2000-2019

Abstract

Introduction: Acute poisoning in children is cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. It is a Paediatrics emergency with significant economic cost. There are epidemiological differences in acute poisonings in children evaluated in Emergency departments across different countries and regions of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the causes of poisoning in children in our health facility during the period 2000-2019. Methodology: Case notes of children 6 months to 18 years managed for acute poisoning from January 2000 to December 2019 at Paediatrics unit, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), were analysed. The International classification of Disease ICD 10 was used. Ethical Clearance was obtained. Results: 26,716 children were admitted with 76 cases of Acute poisoning giving a prevalence rate of 2.8/1000 children. 56.6% (43) were males. 63.2% (48) of children were years of age. 69.7% (53) were urban dwellers and 59.2% (45) from low socioeconomic class. 52.6% (40) of poisoning occurred in rainy season. 97.3% (74) of children had unintentional poisoning. Organophosphates 22.3% (17) and kerosine 22.3% (17) were the most common substances ingested. Snake-bite and corrosive ingestion occurred in 13.1% and 11.8% of children respectively. Ingestion was the route in 84.2% of cases. 75.0% (57) of poisoning occurred at home. ACP occurred in children aged 1 - 5 years (p-value = 0.025); More in Children from low socioeconomic status (p-value = 0.001) and urban settings (p-value = 0.001). There was no statistically significant relation between type of poisoning and gender p = 0.839, season p = 0.608, religion p = 0.504 and ethnic background p = 0.342. 4.2% (3) children died each from organophosphate, snake bite and tramadol poisoning. Conclusion: Kerosine and organophosphate were the leading cause of accidental childhood poisoning.