https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2020.9044
Caustic ingestion in children: A 6-year retrospective study
Submitted: 17 April 2020
Accepted: 31 May 2020
Published: 26 August 2020
Accepted: 31 May 2020
Abstract Views: 791
PDF: 428
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
Some aspects of the management of caustic ingestion in children are still debated. We aimed to determine the predictive value of epidemiological and clinical features of caustic ingestion, and to define guidelines adherence. This is a retrospective study on children ≤18 years referred to our Emergency Department over 6 years because of caustic ingestion. Statistical significance at p<0.05. Overall, 107 caustic ingestions were identified, mainly accidental <5 years (87.85%). Bleach was the most common caustic (46.73%). Forty-six patients underwent endoscopy; 57.38% children who should have endoscopy on guidelines, actually did not (p<0.0001), but no complications were reported. No or minimal lesions were reported in asymptomatic children; ≥2 symptoms correlated with the severity of lesions (p<0.0002). Therapy of severe cases was correct; overtreatment was observed for minor injuries (p<0.0001). Asymptomatic children after caustic ingestion have a very low-probability of moderate-severe endoscopic lesions, and the risk of severe damage increases proportionally with ≥2 symptoms. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of intensive clinical observation versus EGD on low-risk children to identify those with clinically relevant esophageal lesions.
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How to Cite
Lovera, C., Castagno, E., Bondone, C., Ricceri, F., & Urbino, A. F. (2020). Caustic ingestion in children: A 6-year retrospective study. Emergency Care Journal, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/ecj.2020.9044
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