Survey of clinical and paraclinical Prevalence of symptoms in Patients with Hydrocarbons Poisoning referred to pediatrics emergency room in southeast iran

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: The incidence of poisoning is high in developed countries and is increasing in developing nations. Hydrocarbon aspiration affects the respiratory and central nervous systems. Most patients exposed to aliphatic hydrocarbons (such as kerosene and pine oil) are children who initially show no symptoms but have a history of exposure. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of clinical and paraclinical symptoms of hydrocarbon poisoning in the pediatric emergency department of Ali Ibn Abi Talib Hospital, Zahedan. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 73 hospitalized pediatric cases of hydrocarbon poisoning. Data were collected from medical records meeting inclusion criteria and entered into a checklist. Statistical analysis was then performed. Findings: Of the patients, 69.9% (51 individuals) were male, and 30.1% (22 individuals) were female. The youngest age was 12 months (1 year), and the oldest was 168 months (14 years), with a mean age of 58.26 ± 10.26 months (predominantly at age 2). Of the cases, 2.7% were poisoned with gasoline, 95.9% with kerosene, and 1.4% with oil. Kerosene was the most common cause. Clinical symptoms included cough (63%), shortness of breath (31%), fever (23.3%), and respiratory distress (28.8%), with cough being the most frequent symptom. None of the patients exhibited jaundice or edema. Paraclinical findings revealed that 13.7% developed pneumonia post-poisoning, 11% showed abnormal chest X-rays, and 4.1% had elevated ESR and CRP. Leukocytosis was observed in 68.5%, while liver and kidney function tests were normal. Additionally, 13.7% experienced reduced consciousness, with supportive care provided to 72.6%, and 27.4% receiving antibiotics. One patient died. Conclusion: Hydrocarbon poisoning was more prevalent in males and at a mean age of 58.26 months. Kerosene was the most common hydrocarbon involved. Cough and shortness of breath were the primary clinical symptoms, and leukocytosis was the most common paraclinical finding. The mortality rate was low, with one death recorded in this study.

Keywords: Hydrocarbons, Poisoning, Symptoms