Study on acute hydrocarbon poisoning in pediatric age group in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

Introduction: Hydrocarbons represent a diverse group of substances and occasionally the terms “hydrocarbon” and “petroleum distillate” are used interchangeably. Ingestion of hydrocarbons is a common cause of childhood poisoning in low- and middle-income countries. In clinical practice, the term “hydrocarbon ingestion” refers to the oral intake of petroleum distillates such as motor oil, mineral oil, kerosene, gasoline, lamp oil, cigarette lighter fluid and naphtha. Aim & Objective : To study the factors associated with hydrocarbon ingestion and its outcome in children presenting to a tertiary care centre in age group of 1 – 14 years. Material & Method :The study has been carried out in the Department of Paediatrics, S.C.B. Medical College & SVPPGIP, Cuttack, from December, 2019 to November, 2021. It’s a hospital based direct observational study. Observation: The most common age of presentation was 1 to 4 years. Among hydrocarbons most commonly ingested hydrocarbon was kerosene. Conclusion: Acute hydrocarbon poisoning is a prevalent household accidental toxic hazard among rural male children of upper lower and lower economic classes. Symptomatic treatment is effective in management of hydrocarbon ingestion.