Pediatria pre prax 2/2025
Acute intoxications in children
Acute intoxications are among the serious conditions that directly endanger the health and life of the affected child. They are part of preventable morbidity and mortality. In Slovakia, the National Toxicological Information Center (NTIC) in Bratislava deals with the issue of acute intoxications. NTIC staff provide over 7000 toxicological consultations annually to physicians, other healthcare professionals, and the public. Intoxications in children under 18 years of age account for over 60% of all consulted intoxications. The causes of intoxication are most frequently an accident or mistake, suicidal attempt, therapeutic error, or abuse. The most consulted substances are medications, chemicals, and plants. The clinical outcome of the intoxicated child depends on early and correctly provided medical intervention. Prevention is crucial, focusing primarily on educating the public about preventing accidental poisonings and therapeutic errors.
Keywords: intoxication, primary elimination, activated charcoal, whole-bowel irrigation, gastric lavage