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The following is a summary of “Circumstances Surrounding Fatal Pediatric Opioid Poisonings, 2004–2020,” published in the November 2024 issue of Pediatrics by Gaither et al.
Child, family, and household factors related to fatal pediatric opioid poisonings remain underexplored, particularly in the context of prescription opioids, heroin, and illicit fentanyl.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to identify the circumstances of fatal pediatric opioid poisonings based on child, family, and household factors.
They analyzed data from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to examine opioid poisoning deaths in children ages 0 to 17 (2004–2020), categorized by age groups — 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, and 15–17 years.
The results showed 1,696 (65.3%) children’s own homes for fatal opioid poisonings. Prescription opioids were responsible for 91.8% of deaths, heroin for 5.4%, and illicit fentanyl for 7.7%. Co-poisoning with nonopioid substances occurred in 43.2% of cases. Among 0- to 4-year-olds, 33.9% died of homicide, and 45.0% had a caregiver with a history of substance use/abuse. Among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 17-year-olds, 42.0% and 72.8%, respectively, had a history of substance use/abuse. At least 25.0% of children in each age group were victims of previous child maltreatment.
They concluded that a history of maltreatment and substance use in children and caregivers was common in fatal pediatric opioid poisonings, with most deaths occurring in the child’s home.
