Acid ingestion in a 2-day old baby
Kushimo, T.; Ekanem, M.M.
West African Journal of Medicine 16(2): 121-123
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0189-160X PMID: 9257550 Document Number: 474810
The incidence of chemical burns is low when compared to thermal burns. It can occur in little children accidentally if chemicals are left within their reach. A case is presented of a 2-day old male child who ingested a corrosive substance in unknown circumstances. He developed severe respiratory problems necessitating endotracheal intubation, and later died from acute necrotizing oesophago-gastritis and lung collapse. The severity of damage caused by corrosive chemicals is discussed and the role of the anaesthetist in the initial management is highlighted.