ABSTRACT

We aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment results of acute intoxication cases that were followed in pediatric clinics.

Acute intoxication cases (<2 two years of age) who applied to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Şişli Etfal Education and Research Hospital between January 2006 and December 2006 were evaluated retrospectively.

A total of 239 patients were included in the present study. Of patients, 132 were (55.2%) male, whereas 107 (44.8%) were female. Of cases, 47% were between 19-24 months of age and 35% were between 13-18 months of age. The most common cause of intoxication (64%) was cleaning materials. Seventy-nine (33.1%) cases applied to the hospital within the fi rst 2 hours. 220 (92.1%) cases were discharged with good recovery.

In this study, household cleaning and chemical substances were determined as the main cause of intoxication rather than drugs among children between 0-2 years of age.

Keywords: Clinic pediatric, intoxication, emergency department, cleaning substances