Journal of Childhood & Developmental Disorders

Pediatrics Accidental Ingestion in Palestine: A Multi-Center Descriptive Study

Accidental ingestion remains a common problem in the pediatric population and an important public health problem in many countries. Due to lack of local studies about the prevalence and the management of accidental ingestion in pediatrics, this study was conducted to assess the pattern of accidental ingestion in pediatrics in terms of epidemiology, demographic features, initial management and emergency interventions. Moreover, to know the most frequent accidentally ingested substances, and to analyze the circumstances and clinical findings. This descriptive study was conducted in Palestine, in the Emergency Room (ER) of six different hospitals in four cities in Palestine. The duration of this study was from March 2016, to March 2017. All children under 14 years who visited the emergency department with a history of accidental ingestion were included in the study. Demographic data was recorded in 202 cases through ER questionnaire, including patient ID, age, gender, weight, phone number and the address. The type of ingested substance, organ system affected, presenting signs and symptoms were recorded. General stabilizing management steps as well as specific measures were also reported. Moreover, some data was obtained by phone call questionnaire, including details about the event, social indicators, and more details about the management of caustic substances. In terms of baseline characteristics, majority 53.9 % of the patients were 1-2 years of age.

Author(s):

Mutaz Sultan MD 1,*, Muna Abu-Helou MD 2, , Kholoud Ayesh MD 2, , Haleema Al-Shayeb MD 2, Bisan
Shwike MD 2, Du'a Adawi MD 3, Fatima Al-Qadi MD 4, Fatima Hamad MD 1, Halima Alshiekh MD 5,
Haytham Erikat MD 6, Rana Al-Hammori MD 4

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