Kerosene Poisoning Complicated by Acute Pancreatitis

Sidaraddi Sanju1, Milind S Tullu1, Shruti Mondkar1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Insights

Accidental kerosene ingestion in a child led to acute pancreatitis, a rare complication. Early recognition and considering pancreatitis in abdominal pain cases after kerosene poisoning are crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Accidental kerosene ingestion is a common pediatric emergency.
  • Acute pancreatitis is a serious condition with various etiologies.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old male ingested 15 mL of kerosene, presenting with vomiting.
  • Abdominal pain developed on the second day, with significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.
  • Initial chest radiograph was normal; other causes of pancreatitis were ruled out.

Findings:

  • Kerosene poisoning can be a rare cause of acute pancreatitis in children.
  • Elevated amylase and lipase confirmed pancreatitis following kerosene ingestion.
  • The rarity of this complication highlights the need for heightened clinical suspicion.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider acute pancreatitis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain after kerosene poisoning.
  • Early identification of this rare complication can lead to timely intervention.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathophysiology of pancreatitis post-kerosene ingestion.

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