Trends in Pediatric Opioid Ingestion and Associated Factors in Washington State, 2014-2023

Abstract

Opioid intoxication in children is a growing concern. This study evaluates trends in pediatric opioid ingestions in Washington state. This retrospective study involves review of call report data from the Washington Poison Center on non-therapeutic opioid ingestions in children and adolescents aged 0-17 years between the years of 2014-2023. Trends were assessed based on opioid type and demographic factors. Logistic regression analysis was performed, presented as odds ratio [95% confidence interval]. A total of 2,878 pediatric opioid ingestions were reported; mean age was 7.4 [0.083, 17] years with a slight female predominance (52%). Over the nine-year period, there was a significant trend in increased fentanyl use (97% increase) compared to oxycodone (56% decrease) and hydrocodone (59% decrease). Fentanyl ingestion (OR 4.25 [2.88-6.22]), adolescent age (OR 2.00 [1.48, 2.70]), and high neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage (OR 1.91 [1.36, 2.73]) had increased odds of a major effect (life threatening or disfiguring).The most recent trends of pediatric opioid ingestion in Washington State show a disproportionate increase in fentanyl ingestion and an associated increased odds of life-threatening effects.