Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Patients with Corrosive Ingestion in a Tertiary Care Center of Telangana

Introduction: Acute corrosive poisonings are a serious sociomedical problem since they can result in severe oral, pharyngeal, esophageal and gastric lesions. The magnitude of the injury depends upon several factors such as the nature of the caustic agent, volume ingested, concentration, duration of mucosal exposure, age of the patient and the intent (suicidal or accidental).

Aim and Objectives: To identify varied patterns of injuries and outcome following corrosive ingestion.

Materials and Methods: A total of 38 patients with a history of acute corrosive injury presenting to the emergency department of GANDHI HOSPITAL, between January 2023 and January 2024 were enrolled . Patients were evaluated based on their age, gender, mode of ingestion, intention of consumption, corrosive character, and clinical symptoms. Within 24 to 72 hours of admission, an UGI endoscopy was also performed. The patients were followed up and had another UGI endoscopy after 6 weeks.

Results: According to this study, males had a 58% (n = 22) greater incidence of corrosive ingestion than females (42%, n = 16). Suicidal intent was found in 53% (n = 20) of corrosive ingestions, followed by accidental in 47% (n = 18). Acid was ingested in 58% (n = 22), alkali in 34% (n = 22), and the substance was unknown in 8% (n = 3) . The most common symptoms at presentation were dysphagia and hematemesis . Based on Zargar classification, 10 had grade 1, 6 had grade 2A, 15 had grade 2B, 5 had grade 3A, 2 had grade 3B, and none had grade 4 corrosive injury. On follow-up, 21 patients had esophageal stricture, 1 patient had antral stricture, and 16 patients had no stricturing sequelae . Of the 22 patients, 15 patients underwent endoscopic serial dilatation, 7 patients underwent surgery and no mortality.

Conclusion: Early endoscopy can help to determine the extent of damage. The majority of patients with grade 2b and grade 3 damage developed esophageal or stomach cicatrization, or both, necessitating endoscopic or surgical therapy.

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Publication History

Article published online:
22 April 2024