Patterns of acute pediatric intoxication in Aljouf Province, KSA

OBJECTIVES: Although childhood intoxication is avoidable, it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both developing and developed countries. The aim of this study was to assess the patterns and outcomes of acute pediatric intoxication in Aljouf, KSA. METHODS: A retrospective record-based descriptive study was conducted at the Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz hospital, and the Maternity and Children's hospital in Aljouf, KSA. All cases of acute intoxication in children younger than 18 years of age from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021 were included. Data analysis included demographic characteristics; year and month of intoxication; place, time, form, and route of toxic agent exposure; manner of intoxication; toxic agent/agents involved; intoxicated child's status upon arrival at the hospital; clinical presentation; treatment; admission history; and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 540 cases were reported. Most (79%) acutely intoxicated children were in 1 to <6 years of age. The highest frequency of reported acute pediatric intoxication was 23.9% in 2017. Pharmaceutical drugs were responsible for most reported cases (41%). Most children were asymptomatic (84%) at the time of admission. Among symptomatic children, GIT clinical manifestations were the most reported symptoms. Forty percent of the children were admitted to the inpatient ward. Interestingly, 29.4% were discharged against medical advice. Approximately 43% showed complete recovery. The logistic regression model of predictors of accidental intoxication indicated that only age and residence in urban vs rural areas had a statistically significant relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pediatric intoxication is a problem in Aljouf, KSA. Caregivers' awareness of the potentially hazardous toxic agents and risk factors for pediatric intoxication should be enhanced, and effective prevention strategies should be implemented to decrease the incidence of pediatric intoxication.