CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPLICATIONS IN ORAL CAUSTIC INGESTION IN CHILDREN.

Caustic�ingestion became a significant concern when lye product got available as household cleaners. Accidental ingestion of these products led to serious upper digestive and respiratory tract and esophageal injuries in children. The aims of this study were to evaluate patients with caustic agent ingestion, symptoms, clinical history and complications and compare these findings.

Materials & Methods: All�children hospitalized for caustic ingestion, in the age group of 0-12 years old were evaluated for clinical history, endoscopic findings, method of treatment and the complications were observed.

Results: Out of 51 children, 8 consumed acidic and 43 alkaline materials. The average age of the children was 35.9±18 months. 34(66.7%) of 51 patients were male and 17(33.3%) were female. In endoscopic survey, 37.2% of patients had grade1 and 62.8% had a burning intensity of grade2 or higher. During the follow-up, esophageal stricture developed in 5 cases and gastric outlet obstruction in 1 case. Two of 5 patients with stricture were treated by endoscopic dilation, 3 of them underwent colon transposition surgery. The patient with gastric outlet obstruction underwent gastrectomy. One patient died.

Conclusion: Although caustic ingestion is potentially preventable, if ingestion occurs early endoscopy is recommended to evaluate the severity of lesions and the morbidity of patients. The role of prevention as a comprehensive strategy promoted by medical councils and the mass media is imperative.