[Regional differences in acute poisoning in under 14 year-old children in Spain]

Introduction: The identification of variations in different profiles of pediatric poisonings may improve the prevention of these episodes.

Objectives: To analyze the profile of pediatric acute poisonings in different regions of Spain.

Material and methods: A study was conducted, based on a prospective registry of the acute pediatric poisonings registered in 53 Spanish pediatric emergency departments included in the Toxicology Surveillance System of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies between 2008 and 2013. The regions were defined taking into account geographic factors, and the structuring of regional pediatric societies.

Results: A total of 566 poisoning were recorded in children less than 14 years. Poisonings due to dosage errors were more common in Madrid (12.4% of the whole group of poisonings vs 5.0% in the other regions, P=.009); recreational poisonings were more common in the Basque-Navarre region and Zaragoza (14.4% vs 3.4% in the others, P=.0008); and CO poisoning in Catalonia, Madrid and others (7.1% vs 0.3%, P<.0001).

Conclusions: The profiles of acute poisonings in children less than 14 years vary significantly between the different Spanish regions. An epidemiological Surveillance System is a good tool to collect information in order to design preventive actions.