[Drug poisonings in childhood at a regional poisons unit].
BACKGROUND
Drug poisonings in childhood account with about one fourth for the most important group of poisonings in this age group.


METHODS
From 1995 to 2004 the inquiries to a poison centre regarding drug poisonings of children < or = 6 years of age were analyzed. Additionally, a standardized questionnaire was sent for follow-up information.


RESULTS
During the study period a total number of 17 553 cases of drug poisonings in childhood was determined and follow-up information was obtained for 8 590 cases (48.9 %). Boys were more likely to be affected (53.4 %) and most children were between 2 and 4 years of age (57.5 %). Mostly oral contraceptives, homeopathic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sodium fluoride and paracetamol were ingested. In 97.8 % of the reported cases none or minor symptoms and in 1.5 % medium or major symptoms (1 death) were observed. In the latter group of patients mostly neuroleptics, antihistaminics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta2-sympathomimetics and paracetamol were ingested. In most cases the application of fluids (47.3 %) or activated charcoal (32.0 %) was sufficient.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe symptoms have rarely been observed in drug poisonings and in most children a treatment by non-professionals was sufficient. Most frequently activated charcoal was currently used for primary poison elimination. We suggest an early involvement of a poison centre in drug intoxications.
von Mach
M-A
MA
Klinische Toxikologie und Giftinformationszentrum, II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum der Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. marcm@giftinfo.uni-mainz.de
Habermehl
P
P
Zepp
F
F
Weilemann
L S
LS
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D011039:Poison Control Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors