Acute poisoning is a major cause of pediatric emergency department (PED) visits, with the COVID-19 pandemic potentially altering exposure risks and care-seeking behaviors. This study compares pediatric poisoning characteristics before and during the pandemic.

A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Gazi University PED between January 2018 and June 2022. Patients aged 1 month-18 years diagnosed with poisoning were identified via ICD codes grouped into before pandemic and during pandemic cases. A systematic random sampling yielded 178 BP (before the pandemic) and 94 DP (during the pandemic) cases with complete data. Demographic and clinical properties of cases were analyzed.

The mean age was significantly higher during the pandemic (BP:7.63±0.49; DP:9.27±0.69). A higher prevalence of chronic diseases was noted in DP cases (BP:0.29±0.049; DP:0.57±0.100). Hotline consultations were higher in DP period (54.5% vs.72.5%) while hospitalization rates were lower (55% vs. 35.2%). While suicide attempts were significantly higher in women compared to men before the pandemic, this difference disappeared during the pandemic period (BP:8.6% of males vs. 37.2% of females; DP: 25% of males vs. 39% of females).

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted pediatric poisoning profiles, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies and adaptive emergency protocols.