Abstract

SEOANE FLORES, José A.. Poisoning at "Ismaelillo Intensive Care Unit" of Hospital Del Niño "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga Uría" (1997-2003). Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2004, vol.43, n.3, pp.144-148. ISSN 1024-0675.

We studied 106 poisoned children admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Hospital del Niño "Dr. OvidioAliaga Uría", in La Paz between January 1997 and June 2003. This is 2.87% of total ICU admissions which compared to the 10 previous years (4.36%) shows a decrease of admissions through the ICU. Age, sex, toxic agent, cause of poisoning, mortality and length of stay at the ICU were analized. Young infants were the most affected age group (33 cases), 31.13% of the total number. There was a slightly higher incidence in male patients (53 cases) than in female patients (50 cases). Non-drug poisoning made up 82.08% of all cases of which the main cause were phosphate substances, 45.28% (45 cases). On the other hand drug poisoning made up only 18% of which 7.54% were due to ingestion of salicilates (8 cases). The most frequent cases were due to accidental poisoning and mostly at home. 12 patients died, making up 11.32% of the total number. Average length of stay was 3 days. The article recommends preventive measures, education, use of Ipecac syrup, activated carbon and most important the need to create a Poison Center.

Keywords : Toxic substances; poisoning; drugs.