Ten-year retrospective study of the epidemiological and economic aspects of corrosive substance ingestion in children admitted to the BHC and UHWI (1986-1995)

ABSTRACT

The public health impact of corrosive substance ingestion in children is significant. The study examined secondary data on corrosive ingestion in children admitted to the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC) and the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)during the period 1986-1995. The aim of the study was to compare the epidemiological variables and trends in children with corrosive substance ingestion and to estimate the cost burden to the health sector. During the period 1986-1995 a total of 308 children with corrosive ingestion were admitted to the BHC and UHWI with an average of 31 children per annum. There was a significant decline in the incidence of corrosive ingestion in children over the ten-year period. Age was identified as a major risk factor. Ninety-six percent of children studied fell into the 0-5 years age group with children in the 12-23 months age group being especially vulnerable. Alkalis were the most prevalent substances ingested, accounting for 91 percent of cases. Liquid bleach was the most commonly used household alkali ingested 99.6 percent of ingestions were determined to be accidental. These findings suggested that lack of awareness as to the proper storage of chemicals and poor supervision of children in the home may be contributary factors. Only one child developed oesophageal stricture as a consequence of having ingested causitc soda. The average lenght of stay in hospital was 3 days. Majority of the cases were from the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolitan region, with a significant proportion arising in the lower soci-economic areas. The average cost of hospitalization to patients was $129.60. Patients admitted to the public hospital pay a minimal fee as the cost of treatment is subsidized by government. Corrosive ingestion in children is preventable. Intervention strategies if implemented will ensure that the declining incidence trend continues (AU)