A new study reveals that opioids account for more than half of all poisoning deaths among children under the age of five.
The study, published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics, was conducted by researchers at The Poison Control Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
Researchers analyzed data from 40 states on deaths of young children between 2005 and 2018, where the cause of death was identified as “poisoning, overdose or acute poisoning.”
The data comes from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System, which collects and analyzes information on child deaths in 40 states.
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Of the 731 poisoning-related deaths, 47 percent involved opioids—including oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, heroin, codeine, fentanyl, and others—making them the most common cause.
Over-the-counter pain, cold and allergy medications came in a distant second at 14.8%.
The study also revealed an increase in the share of opioid deaths between 2005 (24.1%) and 2018 (52.2%).
A new study reveals that opioids account for more than half of all poisoning deaths among children under the age of five. (iStock)
“There are many toxic substances in our world that can harm children,” Dr. Christopher Gaw, a pediatric emergency physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told Fox News Digital in an email.
“It’s really striking how often only one class of substance was implicated in poisoning deaths in children.”
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Accidental overdoses were the majority of opioid poisonings, 40.7%.
Another 17.9% were intentional intoxications; 41.4% were attributed to other causes (adverse effects or failures of medical treatment), according to the results of the study.
Children are collateral damage in the opioid epidemic
In 2020, nearly 75% of all drug overdose deaths involved opioid use, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The findings of this latest study are proof that the opioid epidemic has not spared infants or young children, Dr. Gaw said.
Opioids like Percocet are sometimes overprescribed and left within children’s reach, said Dr. Marc Siegel of New York, but that risk has decreased under stricter prescription rules. (iStock)
“Children, especially babies and young children, are often influenced by their environment and what’s around them,” he continued.
“Children are likely to be exposed to over-the-counter and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl more frequently, based on the current state of the opioid epidemic in the US.”
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Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital that he recognizes that opioids like Percocet are sometimes overprescribed and left within reach of children.
However, he said that risk has decreased amid stricter Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state prescription oversight. Dr. Siegel was not involved in the study.
Accidental overdoses were the majority of opioid poisonings, 40.7%.
“At the same time, there are more fake pills linked to fentanyl, oxycodone or Adderall coming out of Mexico, fueled by ingredients from China and elsewhere,” warns Dr. Siegel.
“These are purchased on the internet or social media, and then left where young children can get to them,” Fox News Digital said in an email.
Fentanyl, in particular, is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, he said, and can last as long as Narcan.
Prevention of child poisoning
The results of the study emphasize the importance of implementing preventive measures.
One of these is to make naloxone available in communities to act as an antidote to opioid poisoning. (Naloxone is better known by its brand name, Narcan).
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“We often think about using naloxone in adults, but it’s also an effective, safe and life-saving drug for opioid-poisoned children,” said Dr. Gaw.
He also emphasized the importance of educating caregivers and the public on the signs of opioid poisoning. Some common symptoms are small pupils; shallow, slow or stopped breathing; and difficulty turning on.
It’s best to store medicines and other potentially dangerous substances “up, away and out of sight,” preferably in a locked cabinet or cupboard, said one doctor. (iStock)
“Poisoning can happen in a split second,” Dr. Gaw said.
“A child may find medicine dropped on the floor unseen by a caregiver, or it may go into a purse or bag when the caregiver is looking the other way. It is not reasonable for us to expect a caregiver to see it. We have to be within arm’s reach of the child 24/7 to keep the child out of harm’s way. Failure to supervise instead, families should focus on preparation and prevention.”
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It’s best to store medications and other potentially dangerous substances “up, away and out of sight,” preferably in a locked closet or cabinet, he said.
Outside the home, Dr. Gaw calls for interventions at the community level.
“Instead of mere surveillance, families should focus on preparation and prevention.”
“Important work is being done to reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing, drug diversion and substance use disorder treatment,” he said.
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“These efforts – while not directly related to children – also help protect them by reducing exposure to opioids in the home.”
Parents or caregivers who suspect or know of a case of poisoning should call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 to contact a trained medical professional.
Melissa Rudy is a health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.