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Kerosene poisoning in childhood: a 6-year prospective study at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin.
Insights
Kerosene poisoning in children is often caused by improper storage in household containers. Home remedies, particularly palm oil, are common and associated with severe respiratory complications, increasing morbidity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Kerosene poisoning is a significant health concern among children, particularly in households where kerosene is stored improperly.
- Improper storage in accessible containers increases the risk of accidental ingestion by young children.
- The use of home remedies for poisoning is a common practice, potentially influencing outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and clinical features of kerosene poisoning in children.
- To identify risk factors, including storage methods and home remedies, associated with kerosene poisoning.
- To assess the impact of home remedies and delayed admission on the severity and outcomes of kerosene poisoning.
Main Methods:
- A 6-year prospective study of 109 children admitted for kerosene poisoning at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
- Data collection included patient demographics, poisoning circumstances, home remedies used, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.
- Chest radiographs were used to assess respiratory complications, and statistical analysis was performed to determine influencing factors.
Main Results:
- The majority of cases (79.8%) were children under 2 years old, with improper storage in beverage containers being common.
- Home remedies, especially palm oil (55.3%), were administered to 69.7% of cases.
- Respiratory complications (pneumonia, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema) were prevalent (67.3% with radiographs), with palm oil use correlating with radiologic abnormalities.
- Severity was influenced by home remedy type and delayed admission (P<0.05; P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Improper household storage of kerosene and the use of ineffective home remedies like palm oil contribute significantly to severe outcomes in pediatric kerosene poisoning.
- Prompt medical attention is crucial, as delayed admission and certain home remedies worsen morbidity.
- Public health interventions focusing on safe storage and education about the dangers of home remedies are essential to reduce kerosene poisoning risks.
Abstract:
In a 6-year prospective study of kerosene poisoning in children admitted to the Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), between January 1982 and December 1987, 109 cases were seen. They were aged 6 months to 9 years, with a male: female ratio of 1.8:1. Majority (79.8%) were below 2 years. Many households (52.3%) stored the agent in familiar beverage or household containers placed on kitchen or bedroom floors, within easy reach of infants and toddlers. Seventy-six (69.7%) cases had home remedies, palm oil being the most common accounting for 55.3%. More than half of the cases (56.9%) presented within 12 hours of the accident due to persistent cough and dyspnoea. Respiratory complications viz pneumonia, pleural effusion and pulmonary oedema were the most common, evident in 67.3% of those who had chest radiographs. Approximately, three quarters (74.3%) of patients with radiologic abnormalities had palm oil alone or in combination with milk as home remedies. Severity of poisoning was influenced by the type of home remedy and the interval between accident and admission (P less than 0.05; P less than 0.01 respectively). Presence of radiological or CNS abnormality or both was associated with a higher morbidity. The only death in the study had complications referable to both systems. Ways of minimizing the risk of kerosene poisoning and its attendant morbidity are discussed.