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Clinical characteristics and complications in oral caustic ingestion in children

M Rafeey1, M Shoaran

  • 1Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center, Tabriz University (Medical Sciences), Tabriz, Iran.

Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences : PJBS
|January 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Caustic ingestion in children often causes severe gastrointestinal lesions. Early endoscopy aids in predicting outcomes and managing complications like esophageal stricture and gastric outlet obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Toxicology
  • Endoscopic Surgery

Background:

  • Caustic ingestion is a significant cause of pediatric gastrointestinal injury.
  • Accurate assessment of lesion severity and prediction of long-term outcomes are crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric caustic ingestion.
  • To evaluate the severity of esophageal and gastric lesions.
  • To assess the role of early endoscopy in predicting patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 51 children (≤12 years) hospitalized for caustic ingestion.
  • Evaluation included clinical history, endoscopic findings, treatment methods, and complications.
  • Follow-up assessments were conducted to monitor outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Alkaline substances were ingested by 43 children, while 8 consumed acidic materials.
  • Endoscopic findings revealed 38% grade 1 and 62% grade 2 or higher esophageal burns.
  • Complications included esophageal stricture (5 cases) and gastric outlet obstruction (1 case), with higher incidence in acid ingestion. One fatality occurred.

Conclusions:

  • Early endoscopic evaluation in pediatric caustic ingestion is safe and provides critical prognostic information.
  • Endoscopic findings correlate with the development of complications, guiding treatment strategies.
  • Prevention through public health initiatives is essential to reduce the incidence of caustic ingestion.

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