Citation

Martins CB, de Andrade SM. Cad. Saude Publica 2008; 24(9): 1983-1990.

Vernacular Title

Acidentes com corpo estranho em menores de 15 anos: analise epidemiologica dos

Affiliation

Hospital Universitario, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brasil. leocris2001@terra.com.br

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Escola Nacional De Saude Publica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18813674

Abstract

This study aims to analyze accidents involving foreign bodies among children less than 15 years of age residing in Londrina, Parana¡ State, Brazil, in terms of first aid, hospitalization, and death (2001). Data were obtained from general hospital records and the Municipal Mortality Database. A total of 434 accidents were analyzed, with a 3.7% hospitalization rate and 0.7% mortality. Boys predominated (53.7%), and the incidencerate was highest among children one to three years of age (7.2 per 1,000 children). Foreign body penetration in natural orifices (eyes, nostrils, and ears) accounted for 94%, inhalation/ingestion of food 2.8%, inhalation/ingestion of objects 2.5%, and aspiration of gastric contents 0.7%, and thesecauses accounted for all the deaths. The results contribute to epidemiological knowledge on such accidents and indicate the need to restructure health services in order to decentralize care for less complex injuries, besides emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

Language: pt