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Caustic soda poisoning in Ghana--an alarming increase

Emma Weldon1, Pamela M Martey

  • 1North Tyneside General Hospital, Tyne & Wear, UK. e.c.weldon@doctors.org.uk

Paediatrics and International Child Health
|July 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Caustic soda poisoning in children significantly increased in 2010 due to the reuse of plastic water bottles for storage. This change in water packaging is linked to a rise in accidental ingestion among young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • A notable surge in pediatric caustic soda poisoning admissions occurred at Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in 2010.
  • This increase prompted an investigation into its prevalence and underlying causes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the rise in pediatric caustic soda poisoning cases.
  • To identify potential contributing factors to this increase.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of pediatric poisoning case notes was conducted.
  • Data from January 2009 to June 2010 were analyzed using a standardized proforma.

Main Results:

  • Caustic soda poisoning admissions saw a six-fold increase in early 2010 compared to the previous year (13 vs. 2 cases).
  • Overall chemical poisoning cases in children doubled in early 2010 (34 vs. 19 cases).
  • Young children (≤3 years) constituted the majority of chemical poisoning admissions, with boys being disproportionately affected (69.4%).

Conclusions:

  • The introduction of bottled water is implicated as a key factor in the rise of caustic soda poisoning.
  • Reused plastic water bottles, previously used for water sold in sachets, are now storing caustic soda, leading to accidental ingestion by children who mistake it for water.
Abstract

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