Epidemiological aspects of exogenous poisoning in children in the state of Sergipe between 2010 and 2017

• Autor(a) principal: Silva, Ingrid de Souza
• Data de Publicação: 2020
• Outros Autores: Oliveira, Halley Ferraro, Soares, Ana Celia Goes Melo
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Scire Salutis
• Texto Completo: https://sustenere.inf.br/index.php/sciresalutis/article/view/CBPC2236-9600.2020.003.0006
• topic: Criança; envenenamento; epidemiologia; Child; Poisoning; Epidemiology

Exogenous intoxications are common accidents in childhood and can be defined as a set of toxic or only biochemical signs and symptoms caused by the interaction of a chemical agent with the biological system. In childhood, they are an important factor in public health problems with high morbidity and hospital costs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one percent of the population is intoxicated per year and in Brazil corresponds to 4,800,000 new cases. Children, especially under the age of five, are the most susceptible group as they are curious and this facilitates exposure to toxic products. Epidemiological studies contribute to the elaboration of more effective prevention plans. To trace the epidemiological profile of cases of exogenous poisoning in children aged between one and nine years registered in Sergipe from 2010 to 2017. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study with a quantitative approach, from data recorded in the Diseases Information and Notification System (SINAN) referring to children from one to nine years old who suffered exogenous intoxications in the period from 2010 to 2017 in Sergipe. In the period from 2010 to 2017, 774 cases of exogenous poisoning were registered in children aged one to nine years in the State of Ser-gipe. Regarding epidemiological characteristics, the highest incidence occurred in males, with 431 cases (55.7%). The age group of one to four years of age was the most affected, with 586 cases (75.7%) of the total. Among the main toxic causative agents, there was a higher incidence of intoxication by drugs (39.5%) followed by products for home use (21.7%). The circumstance of accidental intoxication was the most prevalent (77.4%). In the outcome of the cases, the majority evolved to cure without sequelae (88.1%). Given the above, it is observed that exogenous intoxications are a major public health concern, especially in children under five years old as they are the most affected. The data presented justify the importance of including exogenous intoxications within the actions of the Health Surveillance Secretariat. Some measures to minimize the high incidence may be informative activities aimed at health education, as well as greater inspection regarding packaging of medicines and products for home use that contain chemicals that are toxic to health.