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Updates on the Evaluation and Management of Caustic Exposures. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2022; 40:343-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Various domestic or industrial chemicals may cause significant upper aerodigestive tract burns. Preventive measures should be up-scaled, especially in the developing world, to reduce the epidemic of accidental victims, largely unsupervised preschool children. External signs do not predict degree of injury. Non-invasive diagnostic screening includes radio-nuclear imaging, but early oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy remains the standard to predict stricture formation from circumferential submucosal scarring. Serial dilation is the mainstay of oesophageal stricture therapy, with oesophageal replacement reserved for severe refractory strictures. Intra-lesional steroid or mitomycin C may decrease the dilatations required for severe strictures, although long-term effects are unknown. Risk of secondary oesophageal carcinoma mandates long-term surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Arnold
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alp Numanoglu
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Abstract
Caustic ingestion continues to be a significant problem worldwide especially in developing countries. In 2008 over 200,000 exposures to caustic substances were reported to the National Poison Data System. The presence or absence of symptoms or oral lesions does not predict the existence or severity of lesions. The best predictor of morbidity and mortality is the extent of injury as assessed during initial evaluation. Upper endoscopy remains the mainstay diagnostic modality for the evaluation of patients with caustic ingestion. There is a pressing need for noninvasive diagnostic modalities and effective therapeutic options to evaluate and treat the complications associated with caustic ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortada Elshabrawi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
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Markenson D, Ferguson JD, Chameides L, Cassan P, Chung KL, Epstein JL, Gonzales L, Hazinski MF, Herrington RA, Pellegrino JL, Ratcliff N, Singer AJ. Part 13: First aid: 2010 American Heart Association and American Red Cross International Consensus on First Aid Science With Treatment Recommendations. Circulation 2010; 122:S582-605. [PMID: 20956261 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.110.971168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Rauber-Lüthy C, Kupferschmidt H. Household chemicals: management of intoxication and antidotes. EXS 2010; 100:339-63. [PMID: 20358689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8338-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to household products is very common, but in industrialized countries severe or fatal poisoning with household products is rare today, due to the legal restriction of sale of hazardous household products. The big challenge for physicians, pharmacologists and toxicologists is to identify the few exceptional life-threatening situations where immediate intervention is needed. Among thousands of innocuous products available for the household only very few are hazardous. Substances found in these products include detergents, corrosives, alcohols, hydrocarbons, and some of the essential oils. The ingestion of batteries and magnets and the exposure to cyanoacrylates (super glue) can cause complications in exceptional situations. Among the most dangerous substances still present in household products are ethylene glycol and methanol. These substances cause major toxicity only through their metabolites. Therefore, initial symptoms may be only mild or absent. Treatment even in asymptomatic patients has to be initiated as early as possible to inhibit production of toxic metabolites. For all substances not only the compound itself but also the route of exposure is relevant for toxicity. Oral ingestion and inhalation generally lead to most pronounced symptoms, while dermal exposure is often limited to mild irritation. However, certain circumstances need special attention. Exposure to hydrofluoric acid may lead to fatal hypocalcemia, depending on the concentration, duration of exposure, and area of the affected skin. Accidents with hydrocarbon pressure injectors and spray guns are very serious events, which may lead to amputation of affected limbs. Button batteries normally pass the gastrointestinal tract without problems even in toddlers; in rare cases, however, they get lodged in the esophagus with the risk of localized tissue damage and esophageal perforation.
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Pathophysiology of Caustic Ingestion. Intensive Care Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-77383-4_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Osman M, Russell J, Shukla D, Moghadamfalahi M, Granger D. Responses of the murine esophageal microcirculation to acute exposure to alkali, acid, or hypochlorite. J Pediatr Surg 2008; 43:1672-8. [PMID: 18779005 PMCID: PMC2583796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Revised: 01/20/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Although ingestion of alkali-based and/or hypochlorite-based household cleaners as well as strong acids remains a major cause of esophageal wall injury, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie the injury response to these toxic agents. This study examined the roles of vascular dysfunction and inflammation to the esophageal injury response to different caustic substances in mice. METHODS The esophageal responses to sodium hydroxide (10%, 5%, and 2.5%), potassium hydroxide (10%, 5%, and 2.5%), sodium hypochlorite (5.25%), and hydrochloric acid (10%, pH 2) were evaluated by intravital videomicroscopy and histopathology. Intravital microscopy was used to monitor changes in the diameter of arterioles and venules, the adhesion and movement of leukocytes in venules, and the time of cessation of arteriolar blood flow in mouse esophagus. The esophageal mucosa was exposed to caustic substances for 0 to 60 minutes before evaluation. RESULTS The higher concentrations of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide elicited rapid stasis in both arterioles and venules, which was accompanied by arteriolar constriction and thrombosis. An accumulation of adherent leukocytes in venules was not observed with any agent. Histopathological evaluation revealed marked cellular and interstitial edema in the mucosa with alkali, whereas hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite decreased the thickness epithelial layer. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that ischemia and thrombosis are dominant processes, whereas inflammation is less important in the pathogenesis of acute corrosive injury to the esophageal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Osman
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology - Shreveport, 71103, LA, USA, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - J. Russell
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology - Shreveport, 71103, LA, USA
| | - D. Shukla
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Science Center - Shreveport, 71103, LA, USA
| | - M. Moghadamfalahi
- Department of Pathology, LSU Health Science Center - Shreveport, 71103, LA, USA
| | - D.N. Granger
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology - Shreveport, 71103, LA, USA
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Salzman M, O'Malley RN. Updates on the Evaluation and Management of Caustic Exposures. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2007; 25:459-76; abstract x. [PMID: 17482028 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2004, the American Association of Poison Control Centers' Toxic Exposure Surveillance System documented over 200,000 exposures to caustic substances, in both household and industrial products. Although the most commonly affected body areas are the face, eyes, and extremities, all reported fatalities were as a result of ingestion. Little controversy exists in patient management following dermal or ocular caustic exposure. Immediate water irrigation of the site of caustic exposure, followed by routine burn care, analgesia, intravenous fluids, and electrolyte replacement are standards of care. In this manuscript, a thorough review of the management of gastrointestinal caustic exposure is explored, not only because of the high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with these exposures, but also because there remains controversy regarding appropriate management of such exposures. Hydrofluoric acid, a weak acid in its aqueous form, requires special consideration and specific antidotes, and as such, is addressed separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Salzman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Korman Building B-6, Philadelphia, PA 19141-3098, USA.
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Temir ZG, Karkiner A, Karaca I, Ortaç R, Ozdamar A. The effectiveness of sucralfate against stricture formation in experimental corrosive esophageal burns. Surg Today 2005; 35:617-22. [PMID: 16034539 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-004-3005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2004] [Accepted: 11/16/2004] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, the effectiveness of sucralfate against stricture formation in experimental corrosive esophageal burn is reported. METHODS Sixty-four Swiss albino adult male rats were divided into three groups, group A (control; n, 7), group B (esophageal burn induced but not treated; n, 25), and group C (esophageal burn induced and treated with sucralfate, n, 32). Groups B and C were further subdivided into subgroups for evaluation on days 2, 7, and 28. A standard esophageal burn was performed by the method of Gehanno, using 50% NaOH. Oral sucralfate treatment was given to group C at a dosage of 50 mg/100 g twice daily. The rats were then killed after 2, 7, or 28 days. Levels of tissue hydroxyproline were measured in excised abdominal esophageal segments, and a histopathological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. RESULTS The tissue hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in group C than in group B (P = 0.017). There was a significant difference in the stenosis index between groups B and C (P = 0.016). When compared with group B, the collagen deposition in the submucosa and tunica muscularis was significantly lower in group C (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Sucralfate has an inhibitory effect on stricture formation in experimental corrosive burns and can be used in the treatment of corrosive esophageal burns to enhance mucosal healing and suppress stricture formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Günyüz Temir
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, 35210 IIzmir, Turkey
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Abstract
Some toxicologic emergencies require immediate or urgent surgical intervention in addition to routine medical care. The EP must be familiar with the indications for operative care, even though many of these poisonings and exposures are relatively rare. The EP must also be knowledgeable regarding the various means of surgical decontamination that are available, including temporary cardiopulmonary bypass. Finally, a high level of vigilance must be maintained for patients who have delayed presentation and fulminant organ failure necessitating early involvement of the transplantation team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok L Jain
- Department of Emergency Medicine, LAC + USC Medical Center, Keck School of Medicine, 1200 N. State Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Laven DL, Oller L. Drug Poisoning and Overdose for the Health Professional: Review of Select Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Prescription Medications. J Pharm Pract 2000. [DOI: 10.1177/089719000001300106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to over-the-counter and prescription medications can pose significant therapeutic and health hazards to patients, and present health care professionals with scenarios that require proper assessment and treatment. Knowing when an exposure to or overdose of a drug requires emergency medical attention is equally as important as to knowing when such assistance is not necessary—that simple treatment measures performed at home will suffice. This current discussion is intended to highlight select principles and clinical information pertaining to common drug exposures and overdoses, but not replace the full spectrum of information that would be available to health care professionals (and the lay public) by contacting their nearest poison control center. Many of the basic principles and concerns that are encountered with exposures to chemicals (i.e., route of exposure, patient medical history, quantity of the substance involved, elapsed time since the initial exposure, etc.) apply equally well to drug exposures. Likewise, evaluating each of these variables will determine which type of treatment approaches are, and are not, considered in situations of drug (or chemical) exposure and overdose.
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Homan CS, Singer AJ, Thomajan C, Henry MC, Thode HC. Thermal characteristics of neutralization therapy and water dilution for strong acid ingestion: an in-vivo canine model. Acad Emerg Med 1998; 5:286-92. [PMID: 9562189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1998.tb02706.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether in-vivo neutralization therapy for acid ingestions will superimpose a thermal injury upon tissue already damaged by acid. METHODS An in-vivo canine model was used with repeated measures of tissue and luminal temperatures. All dogs were placed under halothane general anesthesia. The stomach was exteriorized and temperature probes were placed in the lumen and mucosa. 25 mL of 0.5 N HCl (25 degrees C) was placed in the gastric lumen followed 5 minutes later by 75 mL of either 8% NaHCO3 neutralization (25 degrees C, n = 10) or water dilution (25 degrees C, n = 10). Temperature measurements were recorded at specified intervals for 5 minutes post HCl acid exposure and for 30 minutes post treatment. Temperature profiles were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Post-treatment changes were evaluated using signed-rank tests. RESULTS In both treatment groups, treatment resulted in significant decreases in initial mucosa and intraluminal temperatures. Both the mucosa and intraluminal temperatures decreased immediately after treatment with HCO3 by an average of 1.6 degrees C (p = 0.05). In the water dilution treatment group, both temperatures decreased by 1.1 degrees C (p = 0.05). Ensuing post-treatment temperatures increased but did not reach baseline temperatures at any time up to 30 minutes post treatment. CONCLUSIONS In the in-vivo setting, there is no evidence of hazardous temperature elevation when a weak alkali or dilution therapy is used to neutralize strong acid-induced injury. Contraindication of this form of emergency treatment should not be based on the preconceived idea that a resultant exothermic reaction will cause a superimposed thermal injury. Further clinical study is needed to determine the clinical utility of this emergency therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Homan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York at Stony Brook, University Medical Center, 11794-7400, USA.
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Homan CS, Singer AJ, Henry MC, Thode HC. Thermal effects of neutralization therapy and water dilution for acute alkali exposure in canines. Acad Emerg Med 1997; 4:27-32. [PMID: 9110008 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1997.tb03639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the change in temperature of the gastric mucosa and lumen contents when a weak acid or water is used to manage acute alkali exposure. METHODS A prospective in-vivo canine model was used in a university-based animal laboratory setting. Eighteen adult canines weighing 20-25 kg were placed under a surgical plane of anesthesia and a laparotomy was performed. A gastrotomy was then made later ligation of the distal esophagus and proximal duodenum. Separate mucosa and lumen temperature probes were placed. Then 25 mL of room-temperature (24-26 degrees C) 50% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was instilled in the gastric lumen. After 5 minutes, each canine was given treatment. Group 1 (n = 10) was treated with 75 mL of room-temperature orange juice. Group 2 (n = 8) was treated with 75 mL of room-temperature water. Continuous mucosa and lumen temperatures were observed and recorded at baseline and at specified intervals for 35 minutes after the alkali insult. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate the overall temperature profile. Signed-rank tests were used to compare the changes in temperature immediately following neutralization treatment. RESULTS Significant temperature decreases of 1.1 degrees C and 2.1 degrees C were observed for both mucosa (p = 0.002) and lumen (p < 0.001) temperature, respectively, following neutralization therapy with room-temperature orange juice. In the group treated with room-temperature water, significant temperature decreases of 2.1 degrees C for mucosa (p = 0.01) and 2.4 degrees C for lumen (p = 0.01) were observed. Posttreatment temperatures did not exceed baseline for the entire observation period. CONCLUSION Neutralization therapy with room-temperature orange juice or water dilution for acute gastric injuries by liquid alkali does not cause a rise in mucosal or intraluminal temperatures in an in-vivo canine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Homan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York, University Hospital 11794-7400, USA.
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Homan CS, Maitra SR, Lane BP, Thode HC, Davidson L. Histopathologic evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of water and milk dilution for esophageal acid injury. Acad Emerg Med 1995; 2:587-91. [PMID: 8521203 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1995.tb03594.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether acid-induced injury to the esophagus is decreased by early dilutional therapy with water or milk. METHODS A controlled in-vitro animal model for acid injury to the esophagus was carried out using esophagi harvested from 70 Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes and weighing 250-350 g. One control and six experimental groups each containing ten esophagi were instilled with 1 mL of 0.5 normal solution of hydrogen chloride (N HCl). Dilution with water or milk was performed at 0, 5, or 30 minutes postinjury in the experimental groups. No dilution was performed with the control group. Specimens were maintained in an oxygenated saline bath for a 60-minute experimental period and then fixed in 10% formalin for histologic evaluation. Injury severity was rated by blinded histopathologic examination using scores of 0 (no injury), 1 (minor), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe) for the histopathologic categories: cornified epithelial cells (CEs), granular cells (GCs), granular cell nuclei (GNs), and basal cells (BCs). Red blood cells were scored as positive or negative for lysis. RESULTS The controls showed the most severe outcomes. Significant differences in injury occurred for all time periods and histopathologic categories, except for the GN/water and BC/milk histopathologic category/treatment groups. However, a linear trend analysis was significant for all histopathologic categories except BC. These analyses support decreased injury in the earlier treated groups. Injury severity was highest in the most superficial cell layer (CE). CONCLUSIONS Emergency therapy with water or milk reduces acute acid injury to the esophagus. Earlier treatment is associated with decreased injury severity. This research supports the use of dilutional therapy with water or milk for acute acid injury to the esophagus.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Homan
- Trauma Research Laboratory, Department of Emergency Medicine, State University of New York-Stony Brook, USA
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