Rathore S, Verma AK, Pandey A and Kumar S
Poisoning is a major problem in the pediatric population. The offending substances used vary from place to place. Although the clinical outcome of these exposures is usually favorable, deaths do occur. The present study was undertaken to determine in children the major offending agents, their seasonal distribution, mortality associated with them and change, if any in the type of poison by comparing data with previous studies available. This prospective study was carried out at King George Medical College and it’s associated Gandhi smarak hospitals, Lucknow. A total of 100 pediatric patients of <15 years of age made the material of the following series. 62% were under 5 years of age and 70% male. Incidence was also more common in urban areas (55%) as compared to rural (45%) and rainy season was found to be the most vulnerable period for poisoning. Kerosene and snake bite were the most common offending agents, both accounting for 31% cases each. Mortality of 4% was reported. Mortality due to poisoning in children has remained high over the last five decades (2.9%-4.7%). Kerosene has remained the single largest contributor to childhood poisoning (51.5% in the 1960s vs. 52.8% in the 1990s).
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