Demographic Profile and Outcome of Acute Poisoning and Envenomation among Children in Tertiary Care Hospital: An 8-Year Ambispective Study

Abstract

Background: Poisoning and Envenomation in children are quite common medical emergencies requiring
hospitalization. Different regions may have different profiles depending on location and standards of living. To
know the profile and outcome of acute poisoning and envenomation among children at our region this study was
undertaken.
Methods: The ambispective study from year 2014 -2021 reviewed all maximum possible cases of pediatric
poisoning and envenomation by retrieving files from the medical record department and pertinent information
collected.
Results: Out of 188 analyzed data, 97 (51.3%) were males. Median (Q1, Q3) age in years was 9.5 (2.7, 15.3). Total
cases of acute poisoning were 91(48.4%), 80(42.6%) snakebite/scorpion/other bites whereas 17(9%) drowning
& hanging. In outcome, deaths were in 7(3.7%) whereas 167(88.8%) discharged, 12(6.3%) LAMA and referral
2(1.1%). Accidental and suicidal poisoning cases were 123(65.4%) & 39(20.8%) respectively. Among substance
poisoning, the top 2 causes were organophosphorus poisoning 37(41.1%) & kerosene 13(14.4%). Ventilator
support, vasoactive drug support, debridement and dialysis were required in 58(30.9%), 21(11.2%), 14(7.5%) &
3(1.6%) cases respectively. Metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia in 25(13.3) & 16(8.5%) cases whereas mortality
was significantly associated with the need for vasoactive support and aluminum phosphide poisoning.
Conclusion: In children, acute accidental poisoning was commonest followed by envenomation at our tertiary
care canter. Vasoactive support and aluminum phosphide poisoning were predictors of poor outcomes.