Poisoning in Children in Iran Based on Geographical Area, Type of Substance Consumed, and Prognosis: A Review Article

Seyed Khosro Ghasempouri; Shahrokh  Mehrpisheh; Azadeh Memarian

doi:10.18502/jimc.v6i1.11838

Seyed Khosro Ghasempouri Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Shahrokh Mehrpisheh Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
Azadeh Memarian Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v6i1.11838

Keywords: Children, Iran, Pattern, Poisoning

Abstract

Background: Poisoning is a substantial type of unintentional injury in children that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity.

Methods: This study reviewed the patterns of poisoning in children in Iran.

Results: Based on the results of the studies, the prevalence of poisoning is higher in boys and the most poisoned children were in the age group of 1 to 3 years. Drugs were the main toxic factors, followed by narcotics and opium. The rate of poisoning was higher in urban areas. Neurological symptoms were the main signs and symptoms in poisoned children. Most patients were completely cured and the mortality rate was about 2%. Family addition, unsafe storage of drugs, and lack of parental supervision over children were the main risk factors for poisoning among children.

Conclusion: Unintentional poisonings are still common among children in developing countries. Drug poisoning is the main cause of poisoning in children. Therefore, increasing knowledge and awareness about the types of poisoning and how to prevent it is very important in preventing childhood poisoning.