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The public health impact of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries

Christopher M Johnson, Matthew T Brigger

    Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
    |December 19, 2012
    PubMed

    Insights

    Pediatric caustic ingestion injuries requiring hospitalization were estimated at 807 cases in 2009, with a significant economic burden. Legislative efforts may have contributed to a lower burden than previously thought.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Health
    • Public Health Surveillance
    • Injury Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Caustic ingestion injuries in children pose a significant public health concern.
    • Previous estimates of the burden of these injuries may be outdated.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the current public health burden of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries.
    • To analyze factors associated with hospital admission outcomes, procedures, length of stay, and charges.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized the 2009 Kids' Inpatient Database, a national sample of pediatric hospital discharges in the U.S.
    • Identified children (18 years or younger) with caustic ingestion injuries using ICD-9 codes.
    • Calculated national estimates for prevalence, economic burden, length of stay, and procedure rates.

    Main Results:

    • An estimated 807 hospitalizations for pediatric caustic ingestion occurred in 2009.
    • The total annual economic burden was approximately $22.9 million, with a mean charge of $28,860 per patient.
    • Factors such as median income and sex were associated with variations in outcomes, and teaching hospitals were more likely to perform procedures.

    Conclusions:

    • The current public health burden of pediatric caustic ingestion injuries may be lower than previously reported.
    • Legislative efforts appear to have been successful in reducing the incidence or severity of these injuries.
    • Despite potential reductions, caustic ingestion injuries continue to represent a substantial burden on healthcare resources.
    Abstract

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