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Caustic Ingestions in Children

  • Gastrology (S Khan, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

To discuss the new risks associated with caustic ingestion and increase awareness of the variation in clinical presentation, initial management, and long-term complications associated with ingestion of corrosives and button batteries.

Recent Findings

Improper storage of caustic materials continues to be a major risk for caustic ingestion. Symptomatic patients should undergo endoscopy for injury assessment and feeding tube placement. Corticosteroids may play a role in decreasing risk of stricture formation. Pod detergents are commonly ingested and need to be properly child proofed. There is a higher risk of morbidity and mortality associated with ingestion of larger lithium button batteries. Esophageal and gastric strictures are common and may require dilatation, esophageal stents, incisional therapy, and surgery.

Summary

Improved education is needed to decrease the sequelae caused by ingestion of caustic substance and button batteries.

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  1. Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA

    Sarah Cole & Diana Lerner

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  1. Sarah Cole
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Correspondence to Diana Lerner.

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Cole, S., Lerner, D. Caustic Ingestions in Children. Curr Pediatr Rep 6, 50–56 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-018-0156-9

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