Citation

Achour S, Khattabi A, Rhalem N, Ouammi L, Mokhtari A, Soulaymani A, Bencheikh RS. Sante Publique 2011; 23(3): 195-205.

Vernacular Title

L'intoxication par les pesticides chez l'enfant au Maroc : profil epidemiologique

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SFSP)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21896214

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the epidemiological profile of acute pesticide poisoning in children (APP) treated by the Moroccan Poison Control Center (CAPM) and to analyze death cases in order to determine factors predictive of severity. Method: the study is based on a retrospective study of all cases of APP collected by the CAPM over a period of eighteen years (January 1990 to December 2008). Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors. Results: 2,672 cases of childhood poisoning by pesticide were collected. The mean age was 5.6 ± 4.57 years. The sex ratio was 1.12. The cause of poisoning was accidental in 87.1% of cases, followed by attempted suicide (12.1%). Organophosphates were the most frequent poison (50.7%), followed by alpha-chloralose (26.5%). The case fatality rate was 3.3%. Mortality was attributed to organophosphates in 30 cases, followed by inorganic derivatives (7 cases) and carbamates (6 cases). A univariate analysis comparing survivors and groups who died showed that rural origin (p = 0.04), voluntary circumstances (p = 0.001), and the type of chemical class of pesticide (p < 0.001) significantly influence fatal poisoning. Conclusion: Acute pesticide poisoning among children is a reality in Morocco. Preventive measures may be needed.

Language: fr