Pediatrics World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Pediatric poisoning remains an important cause of preventable morbidity worldwide, with patterns varying according to age, exposure source, and psychosocial factors. Local epidemiologic data in the Philippines remain limited, particularly regarding intentional poisoning among adolescents and evolving post-pandemic trends.

Objective: To describe the clinical profiles, poisoning characteristics, and outcomes of pediatric accidental and intentional poisoning cases presenting to a tertiary pediatric emergency department in the Philippines from 2020–2024.

Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among pediatric patients aged 0–18 years presenting with poisoning or toxicologic exposure at the Emergency Department of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center between January 2020 and December 2024. Demographic characteristics, type of exposure, toxic agents, route of exposure, and clinical outcomes were extracted from medical records using a standardized data collection form. Descriptive statistics were utilized.

Conclusion: Pediatric poisoning remains a clinically significant burden, characterized by two distinct vulnerable populations: younger children with accidental exposures and adolescents with intentional ingestions. The predominance of household-based incidents and medication-related exposures, particularly central nervous system medications, highlights ongoing concerns regarding medication accessibility and adolescent psychosocial vulnerability. Strengthening household medication safety practices, improving caregiver education, integrating adolescent mental health screening, and establishing enhanced toxicology surveillance systems may help reduce poisoning-related morbidity