Study of cause of death in patients caustic ingestion referred to Loghman-Hakim Hospital between 1999 and 2006

Ingested corrosive substances produce different injuries, ranging from minor gasteroesophagial and airway burns to death, depending on the agent type, amount, concentration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes and different causes of mortality in patients who died following ingestion of caustic substances. As a descriptive retrospective study, between (1999- 2006) 62 patients 15 to 107 year-old who died from corrosive agent ingestion in Loghman medical center have been studied. 68% of patients were male and 32% were female. Mean age of male patients were 53 years old and in female were 37 years old. Also the mean age was lower in females. 84% of cases were suicide attempts. 49 patients had been died with acid ingestion and 13 patients died with alkaline ingestion. The most common comorbid condition with caustic ingestion was psychiatric problem. The most common symptoms in caustic ingestion were GI manifestations. The most common GI symptoms were dysphasia (85%) and drooling (73%). 27 patients had been operated. Cause of death in operated patients and non-operated was different. Overall airway burning was the most common cause of death.. Early dyspnea was found less in those who died of air-way burning. Neither the aforementioned points nor grading of endoscopy had any clear prognostic value in death In cases of caustic ingestion, early admission and airway protection with surgical intervention, if indicated, can reduce the mortality rate.