title: Hospitalisation due to Acute Poisoning in Children - Tabuk Experience.
abstract: BACKGROUND #ENTITYSTARTX00026;
  
  
  METHODS
  Acute poisoning in children is still a major problem in our community, taking up a lot of resources from the health care system. We report here the result of' a three year study (1991-1994) carried out in the Northwest Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia regarding hospitalisation of children as a result of poisoning.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty eight children below twelve years of age were admitted, accounting for a total of approximately 175 inpatient days. The majority of them (n=60, 88.2%) were below the age of five years. house hold products (16.2%), kerosene (10.3%) and antihistamines (19.1%) were the commonest ingested substances. An analysis of various aspects of this problem and the review of relevant literature is included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health education about safe storage of medicine at home and a knowledge of first aid is very necessary. This may prevent the occurence of such accidents and reduce morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Child Health Department, King Saud University Abha, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Al Hifzi
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Talol