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Kerosene poisoning in children: a clinico-radiological study of 205 cases
Insights
Kerosene poisoning in children frequently causes fever and lung issues like airway obstruction. Neurological problems in these cases are likely due to low oxygen from lung damage, not direct toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- Kerosene poisoning is a significant health concern in children.
- Understanding the clinical manifestations and complications is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical, radiological, and epidemiological features of kerosene poisoning in children.
- To investigate the relationship between pulmonary involvement and neurological sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical, radiological, and epidemiological data.
- Inclusion of 205 children admitted over four years.
- Chest radiographs were performed on all patients.
Main Results:
- 94% of children developed fever, 86% had pulmonary complications, and 7% experienced neurological sequelae.
- Radiological findings included pleural effusions and pneumatocoeles; rhonchi indicated small airway obstruction.
- Neurological complications were associated with severe pulmonary involvement, suggesting hypoxia as the primary cause.
Conclusions:
- Kerosene toxicity primarily affects the small airways, leading to significant pulmonary complications.
- Neurological sequelae in kerosene poisoning are likely secondary to hypoxia resulting from severe lung damage.
- Prompt recognition and management of pulmonary issues are vital to prevent neurological complications.
Abstract:
Clinical, radiological and epidemiological data from 205 children with kerosene poisoning, admitted over a period of four years to the Paediatric Department of the Chest Hospital, are analysed. All children had chest radiographs. Of the 205 children, 94% developed fever, 86% pulmonary complications and 7% neurological sequelae. Vomiting was reported in 65%, abdominal pain in 2% and diarrhoea in 2%. There was no mortality. Analysis of radiological data showed a wide spectrum of pulmonary changes with a high incidence of pleural effusions and pneumatocoeles. The most common abnormal respiratory physical sign was rhonchi, which was detected in 75% of patients with pulmonary involvement. This finding strongly supports the concept that the main pulmonary change caused by kerosene toxicity is small air way obstruction. All patients with central nervous system complications had severe pulmonary involvement, suggesting a close relationship between the severity of pulmonary involvement and the development of neurological complications. These data support the concept that central nervous system complications are mainly due to hypoxia secondary to pulmonary involvement rather than a direct toxic effect of kerosene on the central nervous system.