Related Experiment Videos

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide ingestion: toxicity and outcome in a 6-year-old child

N Bates1, C P Driver, A Bianchi

  • 1National Poisons Information Service, Medical Toxicology Unit, London SE14 5ER United Kingdom.

Pediatrics
|August 3, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) ingestion caused severe gastrointestinal burns and systemic effects in a child. Long-term management, including surgery and dilation, was required for recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Chemical Safety

Background:

  • Industrial chemicals like methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) pose significant health risks.
  • Understanding the systemic and local effects of chemical ingestion is crucial for effective treatment.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old boy experienced severe esophageal and gastric burns, respiratory distress, metabolic acidosis, and coagulopathy after MEKP ingestion.
  • The patient required intensive care, followed by gastric resection and reconstruction due to stricture and fibrosis.

Findings:

  • MEKP induces cellular damage through lipid peroxidation and free radical production.
  • Long-term complications included gastroesophageal stricture and gastric fibrosis, necessitating surgical intervention and ongoing dilation therapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the severe systemic and local gastrointestinal toxicity of MEKP.
  • Acetylcysteine may be a potential therapeutic agent for MEKP poisoning.
  • Effective long-term management strategies are essential for patients with severe chemical ingestions.

Related Concept Videos

Autoxidation of Ethers to Peroxides and Hydroperoxides02:23

Autoxidation of Ethers to Peroxides and Hydroperoxides

Ethers represent a class of chemical compounds that become more dangerous with prolonged storage because they tend to form explosive peroxides when standing in the air. Autoxidation is the spontaneous oxidation of a compound in air. In the presence of oxygen, ethers slowly oxidize to form hydroperoxides and dialkyl peroxides.
Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Potassium Permanganate02:21

Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Potassium Permanganate

Alkenes can be dihydroxylated using potassium permanganate. The method encompasses the reaction of an alkene with a cold, dilute solution of potassium permanganate under basic conditions to form a cis-diol along with a brown precipitate of manganese dioxide.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...