OBJECTIVES: Pediatric poisoning represents a major preventable cause of morbidity. The epidemiology of pediatric poisoning differs by country and region. This study aimed to characterize pediatric poisoning in South Korea over the last 6 years and to discuss current regulations related to the causative agents involved in pediatric poisoning.
METHODS: Data were obtained for injury presentation in emergency departments (EDs) using the in-depth surveillance system of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
RESULTS: Pediatric poisoning accounted for 1.2% of injury-related ED presentations among children and 2.0% of deaths related to child injury. The annual number of pediatric poisoning-related ED presentations and the number of accidental poisonings have significantly increased over the last 6 years. There was no significant change in the type of causative agent involved in pediatric poisoning, and a therapeutic agent was the most common agent, regardless of the intentionality of pediatric poisoning (39.4% in accidental poisoning; 86.4% in intentional poisoning). Cold medications and cardiovascular drugs were the two most common drug types involved in accidental poisoning, whereas acetaminophen and psychotropics were most commonly involved in intentional poisoning. The case fatality rate of pediatric poisoning was 0.2% over 6 years.
CONCLUSIONS: Over 6 years, the annual number of total poisoning cases and of accidental poisoning cases in particular increased despite a lack of change in the types of causative agents related to pediatric poisoning. This phenomenon may reflect failed preventative measures. Thus, the implementation of tailored preventative measures based on epidemiological data should be accelerated.