Risk factors of caustic agent ingestion in a single center in Tehran

Caustic ingestion remains a preventable but persistent cause of morbidity in children. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with caustic substance ingestion in children.

In this case-control study, 122 children aged <18 years were included. Cases comprised 54 children with caustic ingestion referred to Mofid Children's Hospital between 2016 and 2022, while 68 randomly selected hospitalized children without esophageal burns served as controls. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were collected using a validated checklist and compared between groups.

Most cases were aged 1-5 years (40, 74.1%) and involved girls (22, 40.7%). Acid ingestion accounted for 31 cases (57.4%). Domestic problems were significantly more common among cases than controls (40.7% vs. 22.1%; P=0.029; OR=2.429, 95% CI: 1.103-5.350). Higher family income (>30 million IRR) was associated with lower odds of caustic ingestion (OR=0.412, 95% CI: 0.187-0.907). Most incidents occurred at home (72.2%) and while parents were present (90.7%). Child-resistant safety caps were absent in 92.6% of cases, and 61.1% involved substances stored in their original containers; these variables were not compared with controls.

Domestic problems and lower family income were significant risk factors for pediatric caustic ingestion. Socioeconomic support, parental education, safer household storage, and stronger safety regulations may help prevent these potentially avoidable injuries.