Publication: Childhood Poisoning at a Tertiary Hospital in South West Nigeria
Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Poisoning is a preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Information on childhood poisoning in the developing world is scanty. This study describes the profile of childhood poisoning in a third world hospital.
Materials and Methods: Children admitted with poisoning over a 48-months period at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria, were reviewed.
Results: It was found that 81 of 5256 admissions representing 1.54% of the total admissions were due to poisoning. Kerosene, Drugs, Alcohol based herbal concoction, pesticides, corrosive agents and carbon monoxide were involved in 37.0%, 22.2%, 19.8%, 8.6%, 6.2% and 6.2% respectively. Accidental and non-accidental intentions were involved in 85.2% and 14.8% cases respectively. Administration of palm oil (oil from Elais guineensis), vomiting induction and herbal concoction were the leading home interventions in 69.1%, 38.3% and 23.5% respectively. One patient required intensive care. There were seven deaths and overall mortality rate was 8.6%.
Conclusion: Poisoning remains a cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Establishment of poisoning information and control centre is recommended among other strategies to combat its scourge.
Description
Oladele Simeon Olatunya
Department of Paediatrics Ekiti State University /Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
Ayodeji Olusola Isinkaye
Federal Medical Centre Ido Ekiti Community Medicine Dept
Ezra Olatunde Ogundare
Dept of Paediatrics Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti
Isaac Oludare Oluwayemi
Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital
Foluso John Akinola
Department of Paediatriics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital
Keywords
Childhood poisoning, Child deaths, Southwest, Nigeria