Đặc điểm lâm sàng ngộ độc thuốc diệt chuột ở trẻ em tại Bệnh viện Nhi Trung ương

Rodenticide poisoning in children represents a critical public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where accessibility and awareness are often limited. Young children, especially those under the age of six, are inherently vulnerable to accidental intoxication due to their exploratory nature and incomplete cognitive development. Such incidents can lead to severe health outcomes and even fatalities if not recognized and managed promptly. This study aims to delineate the epidemiological profile, clinical manifestations, and poisoning severity classification of pediatric rodenticide intoxication cases observed at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced preventive strategies and improved clinical management protocols.

Pediatricians, emergency physicians, clinical toxicologists, public health researchers, and policymakers involved in child safety and poisoning prevention.

This descriptive study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of 72 children admitted to the Vietnam National Children's Hospital for rodenticide poisoning between September 2020 and August 2025. Employing a retrospective data collection approach with convenience sampling, the research aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile, clinical manifestations, and severity of intoxication in this vulnerable population. Key findings revealed a mean patient age of 4.8 ± 3.5 years, with a majority being male (69.4%) and residing in rural areas (63.9%), and children under 5 years constituting the largest group. Exposure routes were predominantly gastrointestinal (90.3%) and largely unintentional (80.6%), with liquid formulations being the most common form (48.6%). A significant distinction emerged between the types of toxicants: Fluoroacetate derivatives accounted for 58.3% of cases and were associated with severe neurological manifestations, including seizures (100%), hypertonia (100%), nausea/vomiting (96.6%), and altered mental status (94.1%). Conversely, poisoning by vitamin K antagonists presented with milder clinical profiles, with 65.6% classified as PSS grade 0, and all severe (grade 2) cases observed solely in the fluoroacetate group. The study underscores the critical importance of accurate toxicant identification and risk stratification in optimizing the management of pediatric poisonings, emphasizing the varied clinical course associated with different rodenticide types. These insights are crucial for developing targeted prevention programs and refining clinical guidelines.