The Importance of Demographic and Biochemical Parameters on Prognosis in Corrosive Substance Poisonings in Infancy and Play Childhood Period

Abstract

Objective: Corrosive substances are chemicals with strong acidic or alkaline properties that can cause tissue damage. In children, the most common cause of corrosive exposure is accidental ingestion. Our study presents the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients admitted due to corrosive intake and investigates the prognostic relevance of these parameters. The primary objective is to highlight corrosive poisonings and emphasize predictive markers for risk and complications to guide emergency management.

Methods: Data of patients admitted to the emergency department due to corrosive substance ingestion and subsequently hospitalized were retrospectively analyzed. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of demographic features, the agent’s chemical nature, and laboratory parameters.

Results: The median age of the patients was 27 months, with seven being male. Sixteen patients were discharged within two days and no mortality was recorded. In this study, leukocyte counts were significantly elevated in patients who ingested acidic corrosive agents. No statistically significant relationship was found between gender and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Similarly, ICU admission did not differ significantly based on whether the agent was acidic or alkaline. Endoscopy rates showed no significant difference according to whether the substance was a household cleaning product. No association was found between product type and gender.

Conclusion: Corrosive poisonings during infancy and early childhood generally result from accidental ingestion of small amounts. Inadequate or delayed intervention may lead to severe complications. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent these outcomes and reduce morbidity.