Epidemiological profile of plant poisoning reported in Brazil from 2010 to 2020

Abstract

Toxic plants have bioavailable substances capable of causing metabolic changes and damage that harm health, and in some cases can cause serious inconvenience and even lead to death. The intensity of intoxication depends on the amount of the harmful substance that is absorbed, its chemical nature and route of introduction. This study aimed to outline an epidemiological profile of plant poisoning reported in Brazil in the period 2010 to 2020. The present study is an epidemiological design characterized by a quantitative approach based on a survey of the database of the National System of Aggravations and Notifications, from the SUS IT Department, of reported cases of exogenous intoxication by toxic plants in the five regions of the country. The variables analyzed were: gender, age, region of notification, type of exposure, circumstances of exposure, forms of diagnosis. As a result, it was observed that in this period, 8,052 cases of poisoning were reported, of the age groups, 31.995% referred to 1 to 4 years and 8,052. As for the circumstances of exposure to accidental ingestion, it stood out, with 64.20% cases. The acute-single exposure type predominated. In the form of diagnosis, the clinical criterion was the most relevant, with 66.44% of cases. Observing a greater number of notifications in the Southeast region and males. Thus, it is concluded that it was possible to characterize the epidemiological profile of plant poisoning in Brazil during this period.