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Childhood needlestick injuries in the Dublin metropolitan area.

Authors :
Nourse CB
Charles CA
McKay M
Keenan P
Butler KM
Source :
Irish medical journal [Ir Med J] 1997 Mar; Vol. 90 (2), pp. 66-9.
Publication Year :
1997

Abstract

Childhood needlestick injuries and other risk exposures outside of hospital are becoming increasingly common. A retrospective review of casenotes to ascertain the incidence, epidemiology and adequacy of management and follow-up of exposures in the Dublin metropolitan area revealed 52 cases between July 1995 and October 1996. Median age of children was 7.4 years. Most occurred in inner city areas with a recognised high prevalence of i.v. drug use. Only 2 high-risk exposures were identified. On presentation all cases received Hepatitis B vaccination and 56% received Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Following Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human immunodeficiency virus testing, no seroconversions have been identified to date in 9 children with completed tests. General follow-up and Hepatitis B immunisation when initiated were not always complete. Standardised management protocols and wider availability of counselling are recommended.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0332-3102
Volume :
90
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Irish medical journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
9105131