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Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Acute Poisoning Cases: Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 August 2025

Aynur Arslan Sabancı
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/054xkpr46 Gazi University , Ankara, Turkey
Muhammed Cihan Güvel
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/054xkpr46 Gazi University , Ankara, Turkey
Okşan Derinöz Güleryüz
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatric Emergency, Faculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/054xkpr46 Gazi University , Ankara, Turkey
Canan Uluoğlu
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/054xkpr46 Gazi University , Ankara, Turkey
Sevil Özger İlhan*
Affiliation:
Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/054xkpr46 Gazi University , Ankara, Turkey
*
Corresponding author: Sevil Özger İlhan; Email: soilhan@hotmail.com

Abstract

Objectives

Acute poisoning is a major cause of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially altering exposure risks and care-seeking behaviors. This study compares pediatric poisoning characteristics before and during the pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Gazi University PED between January 2018 and June 2022. Patients aged 1 month-18 years diagnosed with poisoning were identified via ICD codes grouped into before pandemic and during pandemic cases. A systematic random sampling yielded 178 BP (before the pandemic) and 94 DP (during the pandemic) cases with complete data. Demographic and clinical properties of cases were analyzed.

Results

The mean age was significantly higher during the pandemic (BP:7.63±0.49; DP:9.27±0.69). A higher prevalence of chronic diseases was noted in DP cases (BP:0.29±0.049; DP:0.57±0.100). Hotline consultations were higher in DP period (54.5% vs.72.5%) while hospitalization rates were lower (55% vs. 35.2%). While suicide attempts were significantly higher in women compared to men before the pandemic, this difference disappeared during the pandemic period (BP:8.6% of males vs. 37.2% of females; DP: 25% of males vs. 39% of females).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pediatric poisoning profiles, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies and adaptive emergency protocols.

Information

Type
Original Research
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

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