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Iranian Journal of Pediatrics
Tehran University of Medical Sciences Press
ISSN: 1018-4406 EISSN: 1018-4406
Vol. 23, No. 2, 2013, pp. 189-193
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Bioline Code: pe13034
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Iranian Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 23, No. 2, 2013, pp. 189-193
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Acute Poisoning in Children; a Population Study in Isfahan, Iran, 2008-2010
Gheshlaghi, Farzad; Piri-Ardakani, Mohammad-Reza; Yaraghi, Mansooreh; Shafiei, Faranak & Behjati, Mohaddaseh
Abstract
Objective: Acute accidental poisoning in children is still an important public health problem. The
epidemiological investigation specific for each country is necessary to determine the extent and
characteristics of the problem. The aim of our study was to elucidate the current pattern of acute poisoning
among children.
Methods: The present retrospective study describes the epidemiology of acute accidental poisoning in
children (less than 10 years old) admitted to the Emergency Department of two teaching hospitals during a
period of two years.
Findings: Three hundred and forty four children under 10 years old were admitted to emergency department
of two teaching hospitals due to acute accidental poisoning. Drugs were the most common agents causing the
poisoning (58.1%), followed by Hydrocarbons (13.1%), and opioids (9.3%). Common signs were neurological
(42.6%) with lethargy being the most common (39.1%). 50.6% of cases were discharged from hospital within
6-12 hours, 91.6% of them without any complication.
Conclusion: Accidental poisonings are still a significant cause of morbidity among children in developing
countries. Regarding the high prevalence of pharmaceutical drug poisoning and because lethargic was the
most frequent neurological sign, comprehensive toxicology screen tests should be included as part of the
routine evaluation of children presenting to an ED with an apparent life-threatening event.
Keywords
Poisoning; Children; Epidemiology; Toxicology
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© Copyright 2013 - Iran Journal of Pediatrics Alternative site location: http://diglib.tums.ac.ir/pub/
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