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Updates on the Evaluation and Management of Caustic Exposures
Richard J Chen1, Rika N O'Malley2, Matthew Salzman3
1Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19141-3098, USA.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|April 24, 2022
Summary
Household cleaners cause over 180,000 exposures annually, with gastrointestinal caustic exposure management remaining controversial. This review details diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, including special considerations for hydrofluoric acid.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Household cleaners are a leading cause of accidental exposures reported to poison control centers.
- Over 180,000 single-substance exposures involving household cleaners were reported in 2019.
- Dermal and ocular caustic exposures have established management protocols, unlike gastrointestinal exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, management, and prevention of gastrointestinal caustic exposures.
- To address the controversies surrounding the management of gastrointestinal caustic ingestions.
- To highlight the specific considerations for hydrofluoric acid exposures.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of diagnosis and management strategies for caustic ingestions.
- Analysis of current guidelines and expert opinions on gastrointestinal caustic exposure.
- Inclusion of specific protocols for hydrofluoric acid management.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal caustic exposures present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Management strategies vary, with ongoing debate regarding optimal interventions.
- Hydrofluoric acid requires distinct treatment approaches due to its unique properties.
Conclusions:
- Standardized diagnostic and management protocols for gastrointestinal caustic exposures are needed.
- Further research is warranted to resolve management controversies.
- Timely and appropriate intervention, especially for hydrofluoric acid, is crucial to minimize sequelae.
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