title: Spectrum of accidental poisonings among children in Afghanistan.
abstract: The present study was conducted to reveal the spectrum of accidental poisonings along with their outcome in Afghanistan. Two hundred and eighty nine cases of poisoning were seen over the 2 years. They accounted for 1.5% of total medical admissions to hospital. The incidence of poisoning was highest in patients below 5 years of age. It was due to over-administration of therapeutic drugs in 50.2%, followed by hydrocarbons in 21.3%, and by organophosphorus in 14.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 6.2% while maximum deaths were seen following organophosphorus poisoning in 21.4%. Organophosphorus poisoning alone was responsible for 50% of the total deaths. Possible measures for prevention of poisoning have been discussed.
mesh_terms: D000346:Afghanistan; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005739:Gas Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000506:poisoning; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D062025:Organophosphate Poisoning; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D006838:Hydrocarbons