EXOGENOUS POISONING IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to characterize exogenous acute poisoning profile among children from zero to twelve years old in a municipality in the North of Paraná and region, treated in the Poison Control Center in 2007. Methods: Data were taken from the notification database of the service. The analyzed variables were age, gender, place of occurrence, distribution of occurrences throughout the months of the year, toxic agents, cause of poisoning, type of exposition and outcome of the event. Results: Out of all occurrences, 91% were classified as accidental. The majority of poisoning cases (59.7%) occurred in the first semester. The main toxic agent (30%) was pharmacologic drugs. The most prevalent type of exposure was oral (70.4%). Children from one to four years old were victims in 63.1% of cases. Conclusions: Unintentional injuries, especially exogenous poisoning, are currently considered a public health problem, thus it is very important of carrying out preventive actions. Neglect and lack of information of parents and relatives contribute significantly to the occurrence of this type of accident that mostly occurs in own home environment. Due to these events, prevention activities should be emphasized and practiced including parents, caregivers and children themselves.