Citation

Kushimo T, Ekanem MM. West Afr. J. Med. 1997; 16(2): 121-123.

Affiliation

Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine of the University of Lagos Idi Araba, Lagos.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, West African College of Physicians and West African College of Surgeons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9257550

Abstract

The incidence of chemical burns is low when compared to thermal burns. It can occur in little children accidentally if chemicals are left within their reach. A case is presented of a 2-day old male child who ingested a corrosive substance in unknown circumstances. He developed severe respiratory problems necessitating endotracheal intubation, and later died from acute necrotizing oesophago-gastritis and lung collapse. The severity of damage caused by corrosive chemicals is discussed and the role of the anaesthetist in the initial management is highlighted.

Language: en