Demographic pattern and severity of caustic injury in 300 caustic ingestion patients

Abstract

Objective: objective of this study was to report frequency and ratio of caustic substance ingestion     
cases  and their demographic data that admitted in Loghman Medical Center, as a referral center in 
toxicological problems 
Cases and methods: From 2007 to 2010, 300 cases of caustic ingestion were admitted. One hundred 
and eighty nine men and 109 women ingested caustic ingestion. All demographic data, past medical 
and past psychiatric history were recorded. gastroesopagheal endoscopy underwent. Caustic injury 
was defined based on Zargar grading system. Data were analyzed with SPSS 18 software, accordingly. 
Results: Three hundred cases with corrosive substance ingestion admitted in Loqhman Medical Center 
during 2007 to 2010. 154 patients (51.3%) were single, 83 cases (27.6%) were married, 34 cases (11.2%) 
were divorced and 39 cases (13%) were widowed.  
Ingestion was associated with suicidal intent in 217cases (72.3%). 134 cases(44.6%) had a previous 
history of psychiatric 98cases(32.6%) had history of substance abuse. mean time interval was 
(8.45±2.11 hours).Amount of caustic substance was between 1 cup (75cc) and 12 cup (900cc). The 
caustic materials for injuries were in 97cases (32.4%) chemical depilatory agent (Vajebi), 128 cases 
(42.6%) acids and 75 cases (25%) liquid lye. Based on Zargar system 128cases did not have esophageal 
and gastric burn, 116 cases had grade I injury, 38cases had grade II injury and 14cases had grade III 
injury. 
Conclusion:Caustic ingestion is a suicidal event in Middle East and Asia. Singles, men and cases with 
psychiatric problems are more prone to suicide, and thus to caustic ingestion.