Journal of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Children poisoning is one of the most common pediatric emergencies.  This study was carried out to determine the frequency and causes of poisoning in children referred to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital of Jiroft in 2015.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all children who were admitted in the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital of Jiroft in 2015 due to acute poisoning were studied by census method. Information such as age, gender, family’s place of accommodation, place of keeping toxic material, the consequence of poisoning, hospitalization in emergency room or the ward, consumed material and damages to the child were collected by having a contact with the family or from records.

Results: In 2015, 121 children with acute poisoning were admitted in the emergency department of Imam Khomeini hospital of Jiroft. 53.7 percent of them were male and the most common age group was less than three. 45% of children were living in the city. The most common toxic substances were human drugs (36%), followed by methadone (28%) and other opiates (13%). The most common injuries were nerve damages (39%), followed by respiratory - neurological (16%) and gastrointestinal- neurological (10%).

Conclusion: Given that the most common toxic substances were drugs, widespread and scientific teachings given to families about maintenance and accuracy in use of these substances, would largely prevent the occurrence of such events.