Effects of neutralizing agents on esophageal burns caused by disc batteries

The sequelae associated with ingested disc batteries that lodge in the esophagus may include tracheoesophageal fistula, esophageal perforation, stricture formation, or death. The focus of the current investigation is on whether medical therapy can arrest or lessen the severity of the injury during the time required to transport the patient to a center for treatment. A case of esophageal damage from the ingestion of a 1.5-V manganese dioxide disc battery in a 3-year-old boy is reported also. A two-phase study was completed in which the initial phase was an in vitro experiment to identify potable solutions that might neutralize the alkali contained in disc batteries. An in vivo study in 24 cats was undertaken to determine if bolus administration of these solutions would arrest or lessen the severity of the esophageal injury. None of the solutions tested demonstrated a significant difference in the degree of gross or histologic esophageal damage when compared to controls.