Case Report - Archives of General Internal Medicine (2022) Volume 6, Issue 5

Use of steroids in kerosene poisoning- A case report

Hydrocarbon poisoning, though preventable, is still one of the most common reasons for PICU admission in low- and middle-income countries. Reason for admission of the child to PICU is to keep a close watch on the clinical conditions and various clinical parameters of the child. The chances of arrhythmias and seizures in these patients are quite high depending upon the degree of body damage and the inflammatory response of the body to the corresponding hydrocarbon. Kerosene is the most common ingested hydrocarbon may be because of its attractive color, low cost and easy availability in rural populations. Chances of aspiration pneumonitis are high if the viscosity of the used hydrocarbon is less as it spreads faster over a larger area. The chances of morbidity and mortality are high in a case of aspiration pneumonitis and its effect is mainly dependent upon the quantity of ingestion. Gastric lavage is contraindicated. Treatment is mainly supportive. Steroids are not routinely recommended. Here we are reporting a case of kerosene ingestion leading to pneumonitis after parents induced vomiting by them. The diagnosis of aspiration pneumonitis was made on the basis of symptoms and signs with the of investigations like Chest X-ray, oximetry monitoring. Thereafter, the patient required mechanical ventilation but responded dramatically to injectable steroids.

Author(s): Ratan Tandon, Sham Lohiya, Richa Choudhary*, Sachin Damke

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