Frequency of poisoning in a general hospital in Mexico City

We analyzed 56 cases of children with diagnosis of poisoning, which were attendant at the pediatric emergency room at "Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez" General Hospital, during a period between October 1st 1987 and September 31st, 1988. A greater incidence among infants below 5 years of age was observed, 16.07% of these were newborn infants. Male infants were the most affected. The most frequent causes were iatrogenic and accidental incidents. Only 4 cases of suicide attempt was reported. Medically prescribed drugs were the most frequent cause of poisoning. Of these, anticholinergic agents were the number one cause. Among other types of agents, a relatively high incidence of mushroom poisoning was observed. General death rate was 10.71%. Through a survey answered by 400 physicians, we studied their knowledge of basic concepts of toxicology, commercial names, doses and side effects of certain drugs; 24% of these were pediatricians, and the rest were general physicians. This survey reveals adequate knowledge of commercial names of drugs, but poor knowledge of basic toxicology, doses and side effects of these drugs. Language: es