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PO-0993 Epidemiology Of Drug Overdose/poisoning In Paediatric Population In A Single Centre Over 2 Year Period
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  1. D Rallis,
  2. A Stefanopoulos,
  3. A Petropoulos,
  4. V Karakosta,
  5. K Angelopoulos,
  6. E Botsa,
  7. I Orfanou
  1. Paediatrics, Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece

Abstract

Bagkround Unintentional ingestion of toxic substances (cigarette), drug overdose and mucosal injuries due to corrosive liquate (house cleaners, batteries) remains common paediatric problem, with estimated annual admissions 94/100,000 population.

Methods We retrospectively recorded all patients admitted due to drug overdose-toxic/corrosive substance ingestion to the 3rd Department of First Paediatrics, of the National University of Athens Greece, from 3/2012–3/2014.

Results In total 190 patients were recorded, with mean age 41 ± 39 months. The study population was further divided into 4 age-groups: babies (0–12 months), toddlers (1–3 years), prepubertal children (4–8 years) and teenagers (>9 years). Males were predominant in younger age (68%, 57% and 62% in group 1, 2 and 3 respectively), while females were predominant during pubertal age (75%), (p < 0.05). Babies’ main hospitalising reason was cigarette ingestion (55%). Toddlers were equally admitted due to cigarette (34%), corrosive liquate ingestion (22%) or drug overdose (33%). Drug overdose was mainly recorded in prepubertal children (60%), while teenagers mainly suffered by drug (45%) or alcohol overdose (40%), (p < 0.001). Regarding the duration of the hospitalisation, younger patients (groups 1, 2 and 3) discharged in <24 h (91%, 80% and 75% respectively), 55% of teenagers however had to stay for >24 h (p < 0.001). No differences were recorded regarding the socialeconomical/educational status of the families, notable is however that 27% of the patients were self-discharged, unlike doctors’ suggestions.

Conclusion Young males with unintentional cigarette ingestion/drug overdose, or teenage females with alcohol/drug overdose comprise the profile of our typical patient. Despite the initial family stress, 25% of the patients are shortly after admission self-discharged.

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