Alkaline substances gastroesophageal injury in young children: emphasis on Asian food preparation habits

Abstract

Ingestion of alkaline substances should not be disregarded because a small amount can cause chemical burns in the esophagus, with esophageal stricture being the most common late complication. We enrolled children with alkaline corrosive damage receiving treatment at China Medical University Children's Hospital's emergency department between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into groups A (ingested causative agents other than alkaline oil), and B (ingested alkaline oil). Altogether, 40 (27 [67.5%] male and 13 [32.5%] female) patients aged 7 months-7 years were enrolled. The most commonly ingested agent was alkaline oil (13 cases, 32.5%), followed by oven and drainage cleaners (8 cases, 20%), bleach (6 cases, 15%), laundry and dish cleaners (4 cases, 10%), sodium hydroxide (4 cases, 10%), sodium carbonate (2 cases, 5%), sodium phosphate (2 cases, 5%), and sodium citrate (1 case, 2.5%). High proportions of children had esophagitis (40/40, 100%), erosive gastritis (7/40, 17.5%), and gastric ulcer (6/40, 15%). The incidence of esophageal stricture was 38.4% (5/13) and 7.4% (2/27) in groups B and A, respectively. In group B, 4 children developed growth stunting or malnutrition during the first decade after onset, with reduced immunity and feelings of inferiority. Alkaline ingestion usually results in esophageal injury that is difficult to cure. Corrosive esophageal strictures cause swallowing difficulties and growth stunting in children. Young children who ingested alkaline oil have more complications. Given that alkaline corrosive injuries are often accidental, prevention of corrosive agent ingestion is crucial.