Clinical and environmental determinants of paediatric poisoning

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to evaluate the environmental risk factors and clinical profile of paediatric poisoning cases admitted to a tertiary care centre in North Karnataka. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka, including children aged 1 month to 12 years who presented with poisoning between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023. Relevant demographic, environmental and clinical data were collected and analysed. Results: A total of 60 children were admitted during the study period, with a mean age of 3.78 ± 2.49 years. There was a male predominance. The average time from ingestion to hospital presentation was 5.3 ± 12.01 h, and the average duration of hospital stay was 2.6 ± 1.96 days. Accidental ingestion accounted for the majority of cases (93.33%). Most patients (63.33%) were from urban areas, primarily urban slums, with a high prevalence of overcrowding (80%). A large proportion of children belonged to lower socioeconomic strata (86.66%), had an agricultural family background (41%) and parents with limited formal education (78%). Hydrocarbons were the most ingested substances (43.33%), followed by miscellaneous household compounds (21.66%), tablets (15%), pyrethroids (10%), organophosphates (8.3%) and organochlorines (1.6%). Conclusion: Paediatric poisoning was most prevalent amongst toddlers, with hydrocarbons being the most frequently involved agents. Environmental and socioeconomic factors such as urban slum residence, overcrowding, poverty, low parental education and agricultural backgrounds significantly contributed to the risk of poisoning.