A review of accidental poisoning in Barbados--a new perspective (1981-1985).

A retrospective study is presented of accidental poisoning in 348 children who were admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the 5-year period 1981-1985. These cases represented 4% of all admissions to the paediatric medical ward, with 56% of patients being boys and 43% girls. Most fell into the age group 13 months to 3 years, and all were aged between 6 months and 12 years. In the majority of cases, complications were mild or absent and no deaths were recorded. Their admission to hospital, however, did contribute greatly to the National Health Budget, costing more than BDS$130,000 over the 5-year period. Most of the children required only gastric decontamination and supportive treatment. Thirty-four per cent of the poisonings were due to medications prescribed for friends or family. Common household and garden products were involved in a similar number (33%). Fortunately, kerosene poisoning has declined in importance, but still accounted for 20% of cases. These ratings contrast with previous studies where kerosene ingestion was the most frequent cause of poisoning. With the ever increasing variety of toxic drugs and chemicals now available, there is a greater need to continue to stress the prevention of accidental poisoning. This will decrease the likelihood of mortality and morbidity resulting from accidental ingestion and likewise decrease the cost of hospital admissions for a largely preventable condition.