Clinical characteristics and complications in oral caustic ingestion in children.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in caustic ingestion, the severity of lesions and the role of early conducted endoscopy in prediction of outcome. In a cross-sectional study all children hospitalized for caustic ingestion during two years, aged 12 years and younger were evaluated for clinical history, endoscopic findings, method of treatment and observed complications. Out of 51 children, 8 consumed acidic and 43 alkaline materials. The mean age of the children was 35.9 +/- 18 months. Thirty four (66.7%) patients were male and 17 (33.3%) were female. In endoscopic survey, 38% had grade 1 and 62% had a burning intensity of grade 2 or higher. During the follow-up, esophageal structure developed in 5 cases and Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO) in 1 case. Two of 5 patients with stricture were treated by endoscopic dilatation and 3 of them underwent colon transposition surgery. Gastrectomy was done for the patient with GOO. Esophageal structure as a complication had a more incidence in acid ingestion. Gastric Otlet Obstruction (GOO) occurred in a case of acid ingestion. One of the patients died. Positive statistical relation between early endoscopic findings and complications found in control endoscopy suggest that early endoscopy probably is safe and provides important prognostic information. The role of prevention as a comprehensive strategy promoted by medical councils and the mass media is imperative.