Citation

Benois A, Petitjeans F, Raynaud L, Dardare E, Sergent H. Trop. Doct. 2009; 39(4): 236-238.

Affiliation

Intensive Care Unit, HIA Robert Picqué, 31 Route de Toulouse, Villenave d'Ornon, France acbenois@voila.fr.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1258/td.2009.080444

PMID

19762580

Abstract

We report a prospective and descriptive study about childhood acute poisoning with kerosene in Djibouti. Acute poisoning is a common and stable occurrence in low socioeconomic groups in Africa, where negligence is the main cause of poisoning. The respiratory system was the main target, with 41% of patients having pneumonia, which may become life-threatening, but with low mortality rate. Asymptomatic patients (35%) can be discharged, while those with pulmonary or neurological signs must be admitted for observation and supportive treatment based on oxygen administration. Our study suggests management and provides a discussion for therapeutic options and emphasizes the importance of prevention.

Language: en