L3: Caustics Flashcards
Def of Corrosives
Classification of Corrosives
- Mineral acids
- Organic acids
- Alkalies
- Corrosive salts
- Button batteries
Examples of corrosive Organic acids
Carbolic Acid “Phenol”
Oxalic Acid
Acetic Acid.
Examples of corrosive mineral acids
Sulphuric Acid
Nitric Acid
Hydrochloric Acid.
Examples of corrosive salts
Mercuric Chloride.
Examples of corrosive alkalis
Caustic Potash
Na Hydroxide
Ammonium Hydroxide.
what do button battries contain?
- Contain in mercuric chloride
- used in watches and calculators.
manner of poisoning by Corrosives
In children: 85% accidentally ingested in children between 1-3 years.
In adult: Intentional exposures by adults are more significant (done by suicidal patients).
what are forms of corrosives?
bleach, household cleaners, paint and rust removers and strong lyes.
Clinical picture of Corrosive Toxicity
- Patients who have ingested alkaline or acid agents have similar initial. presentations
- They most commonly affect gastrointestinal, respiratory, eye and skin.
GIT manifestations in Corrosive Toxicity
- Pain
- Dysphagia
- Others
GIT Pain in Corrosive Toxicity
- Corrosions and burning pain of of lips and oral cavity.
- Severe chest or abdominal pain (in esophageal or gastric perforation)
what is the most common symptom of Corrosive Toxicity?
Acute dysphagia
Dysphagia in Corrosive Toxicity
- Dysphagia (inability to tolerato oral fooding)
Acute dysphagia: The most common symptom
Chronic dysphagia: Stricture formation
Other GIT Symptoms in Corrosive Toxicity
- Drooling
- Hypersalivation
- Vomiting
- Hematemesis
- Shock
Does Presence or absence of oral lesions predict severity of burn?
No
Mechanism of Respiratory manifestations in Corrosive Toxicity
- By Direct exposure of upper respiratory tract to corrosive substance, inhalation of corrosive gases
(e.g. chlorine and ammonia) and aspiration of vomitus
respiratory Manifestations of Corrosive Toxicity
- Injury in Upper respiratory tract: (Epiglottitis, laryngeal edema & ulceration)
- Stridor & Hoarseness.
- Dysphonia & Aphonia
- Dyspnea, Wheezing & Coughing.
- Pneumonitis “Impaired gas exchange & Pulmonary edema “Non-cardiogenic”
Systemic manifestations of Corrosive Toxicity
- Can occur after inhalation, skin exposure or ingestion of agents with systemic effects.
what are corrosives that cause systemic manifestations?
- Hydrofluoric acid, Oxalic acid and Carbolic acid.
Complications of Corrosive Toxicity
- Early
- Late
Early complications of Corrosive Toxicity
Late Compliacations of Corrosive Toxicity
Laboratory Investigations of Corrosive Toxicity
Radiological investigations of Corrosive Toxicity
- X-rays of the chest and abdomen
- CT scans
- Endoscopy.
X-ray of the chest & abdomen in Corrosive Toxicity
- Free mediastinal and intraperitoneal air adjacent to liver
- Pulmonary aspiration and Chemical pneumonitis.
- Impacted button batteries
what does Free mediastinal and intraperitoneal air adjacent to liver denote in Corrosive toxicity?
esophageal or gastric perforation
what CT Scans are done in Corrosive Toxicity?
Barium swallow CT scan
Time of doing Barium swallow CT Scan in Corrosive Toxicity
Follow-up contrast studies 3-4 weeks after the injury if dysphagia is present.
when sould EGD by Done in Corrosive Toxicity?
- Should be performed within 12 to 24 hours after ingestion.
Endoscopy in Corrosive Toxicity
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- Flexible endoscopy is the standard diagnostic tool in symptomatic patients.
Aspects of TTT in Corrosive Toxicity
- Observation
- Emergency and supportive measures
- Decontamination
- Symptomatic treatment
Observation in Corrosive Toxicity
Asymptomatic & Symptomatic
Observation of asypmtomatic patients in Corrosive Toxicity
- Asymptomatic case with unintentional caustic ingestions should be subject to close observation and monitoring for 4 hours, without the need for endoscopy.
- If the patient remains asymptomatic and able to eat and drink, he can be discharged with appropriate follow-up.