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Acid ingestion in a 2-day old baby
1Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos Idi Araba, Lagos.
Insights
Chemical burns in children are rare but can be fatal. A case report highlights a neonate
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care medicine
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chemical burns are less common than thermal burns.
- Accidental ingestion of corrosive substances poses a risk to young children.
Observation:
- A 2-day-old male infant ingested an unknown corrosive substance.
- The infant experienced severe respiratory distress requiring endotracheal intubation.
Findings:
- The infant died from acute necrotizing esophago-gastritis and lung collapse.
- Corrosive chemical ingestion can lead to rapid and severe multi-organ damage.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical role of anesthesiologists in managing pediatric chemical burn emergencies.
- Emphasizes the need for stringent chemical safety measures to prevent childhood accidents.
Abstract:
The incidence of chemical burns is low when compared to thermal burns. It can occur in little children accidentally if chemicals are left within their reach. A case is presented of a 2-day old male child who ingested a corrosive substance in unknown circumstances. He developed severe respiratory problems necessitating endotracheal intubation, and later died from acute necrotizing oesophago-gastritis and lung collapse. The severity of damage caused by corrosive chemicals is discussed and the role of the anaesthetist in the initial management is highlighted.