ABSTRACT
Background: One of the prevalent causes of injury to the esophagus and stomach in children is caustic ingestion. Most of the cases of alkaline or acidic ingestion in children occur accidentally. Acute and chronic complications of caustic ingestion in children are severe and occasionally life-threatening. This study was conducted on children with caustic ingestion accepted as in-patients during 2002-2004 in Loghman Hakim Hospital
Methods: All children hospitalized for caustic ingestion, aged 16 years and younger, were evaluated from demographic viewpoint as well as clinical history, endoscopies findings, method of treatment and observed complications
Finding: Out of 72 children under study, 41 had consumed acidic and 31 alkaline materials. 74.7% of patients were accidentally afflicted with food poisoning. Relevant clinical symptoms consisted of vomiting, oropharyngeal lesions, restlessness, abdominal pain, and dysphagia, in order of occurrence. In endoscopy of esophagus. 68% of patients had G1 or normal endoscopy and 32% had a burning intensity of G2a or higher. 16.7% underwent surgery and the rest were under medical treatment. 20.8% were inflicted with esophageal stricture and stenosis, 2.8% with esophageal perforation and mediastinitis, and 1.4% lost their lives
Conclusions: The role of prevention as a comprehensive strategy promoted by medical councils, the media, and radio and TV is imperative. It is recommended that dangerous caustic pharmaceutical, sanitary and industrial materials be filled in containers with safe and tight lids or caps