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Corrosive substance ingestion in children
Nafiye Urganci1, Merve Usta, Derya Kalyoncu
1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Children over 5 years old ingesting corrosive substances, especially alkaline ones, face a higher risk of esophageal stricture. Preventive measures like family education and safe storage are crucial to reduce corrosive ingestion incidents in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Ingestion of corrosive substances is a significant cause of injury in children.
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a common agent involved in pediatric corrosive ingestions.
- Demographic and socioeconomic factors may influence the incidence and outcomes of corrosive ingestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic characteristics, ingested substances, clinical presentations, management, and complications of corrosive substance ingestion in children.
- To identify risk factors for stricture formation following corrosive ingestion.
- To inform preventive strategies for corrosive ingestion in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1709 children (0-16 years) who ingested corrosive substances.
- Evaluation of medical records for demographic data, substance type, clinical findings, and complications.
- Statistical analysis to determine factors associated with stricture formation.
Main Results:
- The mean age of affected children was 35.23 months; the male to female ratio was 1.45:1.
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was present in 41% of the ingested substances.
- Esophageal stricture occurred in 1.69% of cases, predominantly linked to alkaline substance ingestion (79.31%).
- Stricture formation was significantly more frequent in children older than 5 years (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- Children over 5 years with grade 2b esophagitis require close monitoring for esophageal stricture development.
- Implementing preventive measures, including family education and secure storage of corrosive agents, is essential.
- Public health initiatives should focus on reducing accidental corrosive ingestion among children.
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