Assessment of short-term outcomes following unintentional ingestions of "oral contraceptive pills" by toddlers.
BACKGROUND
Cases of unintentional pediatric ingestions of oral contraceptive pills are commonly reported to Poison Information Centers (PICs). No study had examined clinical outcomes in the past 30 years, although the hormone content of these preparations has been substantially reduced. We assessed short-term outcomes to determine the relevance of advice provided, particularly that vaginal bleeding can occur.


METHODS
Prospective observational study of cases reported to a state PIC were followed up over a 5-month period.


RESULTS
There were 63 cases with complete follow-up, average age was 2 years and 10 months; 65% of the patients were female. Median number of pills ingested was 5.0 [Interquartile Range (IQR) 3-16.5]. Minor symptoms including vomiting and irritability were reported in 44% of cases. No case of vaginal bleeding was reported.


CONCLUSIONS
No major clinical effects and no instances of vaginal bleeding were reported.
Lynch
Ann-Maree
AM
The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, Australia. ann-maree.lynch@health.wa.gov.au
McKay
Bridgett
B
Murray
Lindsay
L
D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011039:Poison Control Centers; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013607:Tablets; D013997:Time Factors; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced; D014904:Western Australia
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D013607:Tablets