Reorganización del circuito asistencial en un Servicio de Urgencias: pequeños cambios, grandes beneficios / Reorganization of the assistance circuit in an Emergency Department: small changes, great benefits

OBJETIVO: Valorar si un cambio de circuito de los pacientes con niveles IV-V de triaje reduce el tiempo de inicio para su asistencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo observacional. El «plan de invierno» contempla la ampliación de la zona asistencial a un área anexa al Servicio de Urgencias. En 2017, se utilizó al detectarse un aumento de demora de los pacientes con nivel IV-V, redirigiéndolos tras el triaje según el motivo de consulta. En 2018 la apertura fue sistemática, dirigiendo a todos los pacientes con nivel IV-V al espacio anexo. RESULTADOS: En 2017 el 43,2% de pacientes nivel IV esperó <60 minutos y el 65,4% con nivel V <120 minutos, respecto al 49,7% y al 76,9% en 2018 (p <0,001). En 2017 hubo un 4,9% de pacientes triados y no visitados y un 9,3% esperaron más de tres horas, respecto al 3,7% y 5,8% en 2018 (p <0,001). CONCLUSIÓN: El cambio de circuito es efectivo disminuyendo la demora en los niveles IV y V

OBJECTIVE: To know if a process change about patients with IV-V levels of triage reduces the waiting time for their assistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive observational study. The «winter plan» includes the extension of the care area to an area attached to the Emergency Department. In 2017, it was used on occasion of increases in delay of patients with level IV-V, relocating after triage according to the reason for consultation. In 2018, this area remained open. All patients with level IV-V were visited in this area. RESULTS: In 2017, 43.2% level IV patients waited <60 minutes and 65.4% level V patients <120 minutes, compared to 49.7% and 76.9% in 2018 (p <0.001). In 2017 there were 4.9% triaged and unvisited patients and 9.3% waited more than three hours, compared to 3.7% and 5.8% in 2018 (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The new process is effective decreasing the delay in patients with levels IV-V

Impacto de un modelo estandarizado para la declaración y análisis de incidentes en la mejora de un servicio de Urgencias pediátrico / Impact on the improvement of paediatric emergency services using a standardised model for the declaration and analysis of incidents

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los cambios en la declaración de incidentes tras haber implantado un nuevo sistema de declaración y exponer las medidas aplicadas gracias a las declaraciones realizadas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: En el 2012 se realizó una recogida de los incidentes declarados de forma prospectiva entre 2007 y 2011. En mayo del 2012 se realizó un cambio de modelo para aumentar las declaraciones, analizar sus causas y mejorar el retorno de información al resto del equipo. Se nombraron referentes de seguridad en cada servicio, se realizaron sesiones informativas y de difusión, y se implantó un nuevo sistema de declaración de incidentes. Con el nuevo modelo se inició un estudio prospectivo de las declaraciones durante un año y se compararon los resultados con ambos modelos. RESULTADOS: En todo el 2011 se declararon 19 incidentes en Urgencias y del 1 de junio de 2012 al 31 de mayo del 2013, 106 incidentes (5,6 veces más). Los incidentes declarados fueron de medicación (57%), identificación (26%) y procedimientos (7%). Las causas más frecuentes de estos fueron individuales del profesional (70,7%), falta de formación (22,6%) y condiciones de trabajo (15,1%). Medidas que se han aplicado a raíz de estos incidentes son el checklist quirúrgico, las monodosis de salbutamol y tablas por peso de fármacos de reanimación cardiopulmonar. CONCLUSIONES: El nuevo modelo de declaración de incidentes ha potenciado las declaraciones, ha permitido implantar mejoras y medidas preventivas, aumentando todo esto el clima de seguridad en el servicio de Urgencias

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to analyse changes in the incidents reported after the implementation of a new model, and study its results on patient safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2012 an observational study with prospective collection of incidents reported between 2007 and 2011 was conducted. In May 2012 a model change was made in order to increase the number of reports, analyse their causes, and improve the feedback to the service. Professional safety representatives were assigned to every department, information and diffusion sessions were held, and a new incident reporting system was implemented. With the new model, a new observational study with prospective collection of the reports during one year was initiated, and the results compared between models. RESULTS: In 2011, only 19 incidents were reported in the Emergency Department, and between June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013, 106 incidents (5.6 times more). The incidents reported were medication incidents (57%), identification (26%), and procedures (7%). The most frequent causes were human (70.7%), lack of training (22.6%), and working conditions (15.1%). Some measures were implemented as a result of these incidents: a surgical checklist, unit doses of salbutamol, tables of weight-standardised doses of drugs for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: The new model of reporting incidents has enhanced the reports and has allowed improvements and the implementation of preventive measures, increasing the patient safety in the Emergency Department

Mordedura de serpientes venenosas: experiencia durante 5 años / Moisonous snakebites: a five-year experience

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Factores predictores de contaminación ante un hemocultivo con crecimiento bacteriano en Urgencias / Predictive factors of contamination in a blood culture with bacterial growth in an Emergency Department

Introducción: El objetivo del estudio es identificar factores predictores de contaminación ante un hemocultivo (HC) con crecimiento bacteriano realizado en un servicio de Urgencias. Pacientes y métodos Estudio prospectivo, observacional-analítico. Se incluyen los pacientes de uno a 36 meses, febriles, sin factores de riesgo para bacteriemia, con un HC realizado en el Servicio de Urgencias entre noviembre de 2011 y octubre de 2013 en el que se observa crecimiento bacteriano. Se analizan como posibles factores predictores de contaminación: temperatura máxima, tiempo de positividad, resultado inicial de la tinción de Gram, leucocitos totales, neutrófilos totales, neutrófilos inmaduros y proteína C reactiva (PCR). Resultados: Se incluyen 169 casos. El crecimiento bacteriano del HC se considera significativo (positivo) en 30 (17,8%), y contaminado en 139 (82,2%). Todos los factores predictores analizados, a excepción de la temperatura, presentan diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los 2 grupos. Los 3 mejores predictores de contaminación son la PCR, el tiempo de positividad y el resultado inicial de la tinción de Gram. El valor predictivo positivo de una PCR≤30mg/L, un tiempo de positividad≥16h y una tinción de Gram con morfología bacteriana considerada como probable contaminación es del 95,1, 96,9 y 97,5%, respectivamente; el valor predictivo positivo es del 100% para la combinación de los 3 factores. Se reevalúan el 8,3% de los pacientes con un HC contaminado dados de alta inicialmente a domicilio. Conclusiones: La mayoría de HC con crecimiento bacteriano son finalmente considerados contaminados. El resultado inicial de la tinción de Gram, el tiempo de positividad y el valor de la PCR permiten identificarlos precozmente. Su pronta detección permitirá reducir las repercusiones negativas derivadas de los mismos (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to identify predictive factors of bacterial contamination in positive blood cultures (BC) collected in an emergency department. Patients and methods: A prospective, observational and analytical study was conducted on febrile children aged on to 36 months, who had no risk factors of bacterial infection, and had a BC collected in the Emergency Department between November 2011 and October 2013 in which bacterial growth was detected. The potential BC contamination predicting factors analysed were: maximum temperature, time to positivity, initial Gram stain result, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, band count, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Results: Bacteria grew in 169 BC. Thirty (17.8%) were finally considered true positives and 139 (82.2%) false positives. All potential BC contamination predicting factors analysed, except maximum temperature, showed significant differences between true positives and false positives. CRP value, time to positivity, and initial Gram stain result are the best predictors of false positives in BC. The positive predictive values of a CRP value≤30mg/L, BC time to positivity≥16h, and initial Gram stain suggestive of a contaminant in predicting a FP, are 95.1, 96.9 and 97.5%, respectively. When all 3 conditions are applied, their positive predictive value is 100%. Four (8.3%) patients with a false positive BC and discharged to home were revaluated in the Emergency Department. Conclusions: The majority of BC obtained in the Emergency Department that showed positive were finally considered false positives. Initial Gram stain, time to positivity, and CRP results are valuable diagnostic tests in distinguishing between true positives and false positives in BC. The early detection of false positives will allow minimising their negative consequences (AU)

Actualización del sistema de codificación diagnóstica de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría / An update of the diagnostic coding system by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies

Se presenta la actualización del listado de codificación diagnóstica de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría (SEUP) que ha realizado el Grupo de Trabajo de Calidad de dicha Sociedad. El listado original fue elaborado y publicado en ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA el año 2000, basándose en la edición existente en aquel momento del sistema de codificación internacional CIE-9-MC. Siguiendo la misma metodología utilizada en aquel momento, y basándose en la edición del año 2014 del CIE-9-MC, se han añadido el listado 35 nuevos códigos, se han actualizado 15 y se ha añadido un listado de referencia con los diagnósticos traumatológicos más frecuentes en pediatría. El listado de diagnósticos SEUP actual refleja los importantes cambios experimentados por los Servicios de Urgencia Pediátricos en el último decenio (AU)

The Quality Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies (SEUP) presents an update of the diagnostic coding list. The original list was prepared and published in ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA in 2000, being based on the International Coding system ICD-9-CM current at that time. Following the same methodology used at that time and based on the 2014 edition of the ICD-9-CM, 35 new codes have been added to the list, 15 have been updated, and a list of the most frequent references to trauma diagnoses in pediatrics have been provided. In the current list of diagnoses, SEUP reflects the significant changes that have taken place in Pediatric Emergency Services in the last decade (AU)

Tóxicos vegetales: un problema aún vigente / Poisonous plants: An ongoing problema

INTRODUCCIÓN: La consulta por ingesta de plantas es poco habitual en los Servicios de Urgencias pediátricas pero puede conllevar una elevada toxicidad. La formación sobre toxicología botánica del personal sanitario suele ser escasa y puede resultar difícil llegar al diagnóstico o establecer el tratamiento adecuado. OBJETIVO: Estudiar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de las intoxicaciones por ingesta de sustancias vegetales con el fin de aumentar su conocimiento en el personal sanitario. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos por ingesta de sustancia vegetal, entre enero del 2008 y diciembre del 2012, en el Servicio de Urgencias de un hospital materno-infantil de tercer nivel. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio fueron atendidos 18 pacientes con ingesta de un posible tóxico vegetal. En 14 casos la ingesta se consideró potencialmente tóxica: retama, adelfa, muérdago, acebillo, judía vulgar (2), tomate de Jerusalén, ricino (2), estramonio, potus, marihuana y setas con toxicidad digestiva (2). De estos, en 10 la ingesta fue no intencionada, 2 casos pueden enmarcarse en el maltrato infantil, se produjo un caso con fin recreativo y otro con fin suicida. Destacaron por su toxicidad las ingestas de adelfa, ricino y estramonio. CONCLUSIONES: La potencial gravedad de la ingesta de sustancias vegetales y la variedad de los mecanismos de exposición al tóxico obligan al pediatra a tener presente esta posibilidad y estar preparado para su diagnóstico y manejo. Es necesario diseñar medidas preventivas específicas, como la información a las familias o la regulación de la presencia de plantas tóxicas en zonas de recreo

INTRODUCTION: A medical visit for plant ingestion is rare in the pediatric emergency services but may involve a high toxicity. The botanical toxicology training of health staff is often very limited, and it can be difficult to make a diagnosis or decide on the appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of poisoning due to plant ingestion in order to increase the knowledge of the health professional. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on patients seen in a pediatric emergency department after the ingestion of plant substances from January 2008 to December 2012. RESULTS: During the period of study, 18 patients had ingested possible toxic plants. In 14 cases, it was considered to be potentially toxic: broom, oleander, mistletoe, butcher's-broom, and vulgar bean (2), Jerusalem tomato, castor (2), Jimson weed, potus, marijuana, and mushrooms with digestive toxicity (2). Among the potentially toxic cases, the ingestion was accidental in 10 patients, 2 cases were classed as infantile mistreatment, 1 case had recreational intention, and another one suicidal intentions. The ingestion of oleander, castor and Jimson weed had major toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The potential gravity of the ingestion of plant substances and the variety of the exposure mechanism requires the pediatrician to bear in mind this possibility, and to be prepared for its diagnosis and management. Specific preventive information measures need to be designed for the families and for the regulation of toxic plants in playgrounds

Factores de riesgo para accidente vascular encefálico en un hospital universitario / Risk factors for cerebrovascular accident in a university hospital

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Dactilitis, debut precoz de drepanocitosis y predictor de mal pronóstico / Dactylitis, early onset of drepanocytosis and a predictor of a poor prognosis

No disponible

[An update of the diagnostic coding system by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies]. / Actualización del sistema de codificación diagnóstica de la Sociedad Española de Urgencias de Pediatría.

The Quality Working Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Emergencies (SEUP) presents an update of the diagnostic coding list. The original list was prepared and published in Anales de Pediatría in 2000, being based on the International Coding system ICD-9-CM current at that time. Following the same methodology used at that time and based on the 2014 edition of the ICD-9-CM, 35 new codes have been added to the list, 15 have been updated, and a list of the most frequent references to trauma diagnoses in pediatrics have been provided. In the current list of diagnoses, SEUP reflects the significant changes that have taken place in Pediatric Emergency Services in the last decade.

Consultas derivadas del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en un Servicio de Urgencias Pediátrico. ¿Qué gasto sanitario representan? / Consultations derived from consumption of psychoactive substances in a Pediatric Emergency Service. What healthcare costs do they represent?

Introducción. Los cambios durante la adolescencia pueden desencadenar conflictos y derivar en conductas de riesgo evitables que requieran atención en un Servicio de Urgencias Pediátrico (SUP), como el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. El objetivo del estudio es determinar qué gasto sanitario representan estas consultas. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo-observacional, en SUP de tercer nivel. Se incluyen las consultas de todos los adolescentes (12-18 años) durante el año 2012 por clínica secundaria al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas con finalidad recreativa. Se valoran los siguientes recursos sanitarios: transporte en ambulancia, gasto por consulta, exploraciones complementarias, tratamiento y hospitalización. Resultados. Se incluyen 91 consultas (0,8% de las generadas por adolescentes) que representan 7.189€. 65 pacientes llegan en ambulancia (6.500€). A 50 se les realiza bioquímica básica en sangre (294€); a 67, tóxicos en orina (131,3€) y a 55, niveles de etanol en sangre (107,8€). A 38 pacientes se les administra suero terapia (26,6€) y a 2, analgesia (1,56€). 5 pacientes se hospitalizan un día (950€). El gasto total generado en 2012 es de 15.200€ (media: 167€/paciente). Discusión y conclusiones. Las consultas por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas representan una pequeña proporción de las originadas por adolescentes, pero el coste económico es elevado, por lo que incidir en las medidas preventivas para evitar los efectos negativos de las sustancias psicoactivas, permitiría disminuir el consumo de recursos sanitarios (AU)

Introduction. Changes during adolescence may originate conflicts and some avoidable risk behaviors, such as psychoactive substances consumption, which may require attention at an Emergency Deparrment (ED). The aim of this study is to determine which spending represents these consultations. Methods. Descriptive-observational study, in an ED in a Pediatric tertiary hospital. Adolescents (12-18 years) who consult in 2012 with secondary symptoms to use of psychoactive substances for recreational purpose are included. We consider: ambulance transport, consultation at ED, complementary tests, treatment and hospitalization. Results. 91 consultations are included (0.8% of those generated by adolescents) which mean 7,189€. 65 patients arrive by ambulance (6,500€). 50 patients need to determine basic chemistry (294€), in 67 patients toxics in urine are determined (131.3€) and 55 require blood ethanol levels determination (107.8€). 38 patients receive intravenous fluid therapy (26.6€) and 2, intravenous analgesia (1.56€). 5 patients are hospitalized (950€). The overall costs generated in 2012 is 15,200€ (average: 167€/patient). Discussion and conclusions. Consultations for psychoactive substance consumption represent a small proportion of those caused by teenagers. However, the economic cost is high, so the impact of preventive measures to avoid negative effects of psychoactive substances, could also help reducing the healthcare resources (AU)

[Impact on the improvement of paediatric emergency services using a standardised model for the declaration and analysis of incidents]. / Impacto de un modelo estandarizado para la declaración y análisis de incidentes en la mejora de un servicio de Urgencias pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to analyse changes in the incidents reported after the implementation of a new model, and study its results on patient safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2012 an observational study with prospective collection of incidents reported between 2007 and 2011 was conducted. In May 2012 a model change was made in order to increase the number of reports, analyse their causes, and improve the feedback to the service. Professional safety representatives were assigned to every department, information and diffusion sessions were held, and a new incident reporting system was implemented. With the new model, a new observational study with prospective collection of the reports during one year was initiated, and the results compared between models. RESULTS: In 2011, only 19 incidents were reported in the Emergency Department, and between June 1, 2012 to June 1, 2013, 106 incidents (5.6 times more). The incidents reported were medication incidents (57%), identification (26%), and procedures (7%). The most frequent causes were human (70.7%), lack of training (22.6%), and working conditions (15.1%). Some measures were implemented as a result of these incidents: a surgical checklist, unit doses of salbutamol, tables of weight-standardised doses of drugs for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: The new model of reporting incidents has enhanced the reports and has allowed improvements and the implementation of preventive measures, increasing the patient safety in the Emergency Department.

¿Ha aumentado la presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos en urgencias en los últimos años? / Has the presence of parents during invasive procedures in the emergency department increased in the last few years?

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años los padres están adquiriendo un protagonismo cada vez mayor en los servicios de urgencias pediátricos (SUP), manifestando su deseo de presenciar los procedimientos invasivos (PI) realizados a sus hijos. OBJETIVOS: 1) Comparar la presencia de los padres durante los PI en SUP españoles entre 2008 y 2012; 2) comparar los argumentos para restringir la presencia y los problemas derivados; y. 3) conocer si ha cambiado la opinión del personal sanitario. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico comparativo. En 2008 y 2012 se envían 42 encuestas vía correo electrónico a los responsables de SUP españoles, incluyéndose en el estudio los que responden en ambos periodos. RESULTADOS: Veintidós hospitales participan en el estudio. La presencia de los padres en los SUP espa˜noles aumenta entre 2008 y 2012 para todos los PI, significativamente en la analítica sanguínea y en el sondaje vesical. En 2012 los responsables argumentan menos frecuentemente el nerviosismo de los niños, la ansiedad de los padres y el temor del personal a un peor rendimiento para restringir la presencia. En ambos periodos los problemas son ocasionales, disminuyendo el peor comportamiento de los niños. Según los responsables el acuerdo del personal sanitario no ha cambiado en estos años. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de los padres durante los PI en los SUP ha aumentado en los últimos 4 a˜nos, aunque es aún escasa durante los procedimientos más invasivos. Los responsables argumentan menos problemas conductuales, aunque el grado de acuerdo del personal no ha cambiado, siendo necesario continuar trabajando en el tema

INTRODUCTION: In the recent years, parents are playing an important role in Pediatric Emergency Department (PED), and wish to be present when invasive procedures (IP) are performed. OBJECTIVES: 1) To compare the presence of parents during IP in PED in Spain between 2008 and 2012. 2) To compare the arguments to restrict the presence and problems arising from this, and 3) To determine whether the views of health personnel have changed on this subject. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive multicenter comparative study was conducted in 2008 and 2012. A total of 42 questionaires were sent by email to PED managers, with the responding hospitals being included in the 2 periods of the study. RESULTS: A total of 22 hospitals participated in the study. The presence of parents in the PED increased between 2008 and 2012 for all IP, significantly in the blood test and urine catheterization. In 2012, managers state that children are not so nervous, and anxiety of the parents and staff fear of a poorer performance, as an argument to restrict family presence. There were few problems during the 2 periods, with the poor behavior of the children decreasing. According to managers, the opinion of health personnel has not changed in the last four years. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of parents during the IP in the PED has increased in the last four years, although the presence is low for more invasive procedures. Managers argue the presence of fewer behavior problems to restrict family presence. The opinion of the staff has not changed in the last four years, although more studies are required on this issue

[Has the presence of parents during invasive procedures in the emergency department increased in the last few years?]. / ¿Ha aumentado la presencia de los padres durante los procedimientos invasivos en urgencias en los últimos años?

INTRODUCTION: In the recent years, parents are playing an important role in Pediatric Emergency Department (PED), and wish to be present when invasive procedures (IP) are performed. OBJECTIVES: 1) To compare the presence of parents during IP in PED in Spain between 2008 and 2012. 2) To compare the arguments to restrict the presence and problems arising from this, and 3) To determine whether the views of health personnel have changed on this subject. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive multicenter comparative study was conducted in 2008 and 2012. A total of 42 questionaires were sent by email to PED managers, with the responding hospitals being included in the 2 periods of the study. RESULTS: A total of 22 hospitals participated in the study. The presence of parents in the PED increased between 2008 and 2012 for all IP, significantly in the blood test and urine catheterization. In 2012, managers state that children are not so nervous, and anxiety of the parents and staff fear of a poorer performance, as an argument to restrict family presence. There were few problems during the 2 periods, with the poor behavior of the children decreasing. According to managers, the opinion of health personnel has not changed in the last four years. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of parents during the IP in the PED has increased in the last four years, although the presence is low for more invasive procedures. Managers argue the presence of fewer behavior problems to restrict family presence. The opinion of the staff has not changed in the last four years, although more studies are required on this issue.

[Predictive factors of contamination in a blood culture with bacterial growth in an Emergency Department]. / Factores predictores de contaminación ante un hemocultivo con crecimiento bacteriano en Urgencias.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to identify predictive factors of bacterial contamination in positive blood cultures (BC) collected in an emergency department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, observational and analytical study was conducted on febrile children aged on to 36 months, who had no risk factors of bacterial infection, and had a BC collected in the Emergency Department between November 2011 and October 2013 in which bacterial growth was detected. The potential BC contamination predicting factors analysed were: maximum temperature, time to positivity, initial Gram stain result, white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, band count, and C-reactive protein (CRP). RESULTS: Bacteria grew in 169 BC. Thirty (17.8%) were finally considered true positives and 139 (82.2%) false positives. All potential BC contamination predicting factors analysed, except maximum temperature, showed significant differences between true positives and false positives. CRP value, time to positivity, and initial Gram stain result are the best predictors of false positives in BC. The positive predictive values of a CRP value≤30mg/L, BC time to positivity≥16h, and initial Gram stain suggestive of a contaminant in predicting a FP, are 95.1, 96.9 and 97.5%, respectively. When all 3 conditions are applied, their positive predictive value is 100%. Four (8.3%) patients with a false positive BC and discharged to home were revaluated in the Emergency Department. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BC obtained in the Emergency Department that showed positive were finally considered false positives. Initial Gram stain, time to positivity, and CRP results are valuable diagnostic tests in distinguishing between true positives and false positives in BC. The early detection of false positives will allow minimising their negative consequences.

[Poisonous plants: An ongoing problem]. / Tóxicos vegetales: un problema aún vigente.

INTRODUCTION: A medical visit for plant ingestion is rare in the pediatric emergency services but may involve a high toxicity. The botanical toxicology training of health staff is often very limited, and it can be difficult to make a diagnosis or decide on the appropriate treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of poisoning due to plant ingestion in order to increase the knowledge of the health professional. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted on patients seen in a pediatric emergency department after the ingestion of plant substances from January 2008 to December 2012. RESULTS: During the period of study, 18 patients had ingested possible toxic plants. In 14 cases, it was considered to be potentially toxic: broom, oleander, mistletoe, butcher's-broom, and vulgar bean (2), Jerusalem tomato, castor (2), Jimson weed, potus, marijuana, and mushrooms with digestive toxicity (2). Among the potentially toxic cases, the ingestion was accidental in 10 patients, 2 cases were classed as infantile mistreatment, 1 case had recreational intention, and another one suicidal intentions. The ingestion of oleander, castor and Jimson weed had major toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The potential gravity of the ingestion of plant substances and the variety of the exposure mechanism requires the pediatrician to bear in mind this possibility, and to be prepared for its diagnosis and management. Specific preventive information measures need to be designed for the families and for the regulation of toxic plants in playgrounds.

Neumoparótida, a propósito de un caso / Pneumoparotid: Presentation of a case

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