Drug poisoning in pediatric patients treated in a tertiary Hospital in Honduras

Abstract

Background: Pediatric drug-associated poisonings represent a significant burden for public health systems. Objective: Characterize the pediatric patient with drug poisoning. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study; population (N=76) records of pediatric patients treated in the Pediatric Emergency Service, Hospital Escuela with a diagnosis of drug poisoning, April 2019-April 2021. For the analysis, tables and graphs of frequencies and percentages were generated, statistics were determined descriptive. Results: The hospital proportion of pediatric patients treated for drug poisoning during the study period was 0.08%. Mean age 12.6 years (SD+/-5.0). The female sex 77.6% (59/76), origin Francisco Morazán 84.2% (64/76); and from the marginal urban environment 55.3% (42/76). The level of schooling was incomplete secondary 67.1% (51/76). The main admission diagnosis was drug poisoning 100.0% (76/76), followed by suicide attempt and depressive disorder 76.3% (58/76), respectively. The poisoning was acute 97.4% (74/76), intentional 76.3% (58/76). The origin of the drug was the patient’s medication 44.7% (34/76). The place where the event occurs was at the patient’s home/home 96.1% (73/76). The drug was Clonazepam 30.3% (23/76), no mortality was reported. Discussion: The casuistry of pediatric patients treated for drug poisoning corresponds to what is reported in the literature, the authors recommend carrying out studies on risk factors associated with attempted suicide due to drug poisoning in the pediatric population treated at the institution and the creation of public policies that contribute to the well-being of this population.