Kerosene poisoning in children: a report from northern Jordan.
A prospective study was conducted over 4 years to evaluate the children with kerosene ingestion in northern Jordan. One hundred and twenty children aged 11 months to 6 years (mean age 2.2) were studied. The majority of patients (90%) were below the age of 4. Most of the cases (42%) were seen during the summer season. The most common presenting symptoms were: cough (70.6%); tachypnoea (59.6%), and fever (55.1%). In 25 patients the parents had induced vomiting before arrival. The main sites of storage for kerosene were: under stairs (36.7%); the kitchen; (33.3%) and bathroom (11.7%). The main containers used were soft drink bottles, water jugs and water glasses. The patients were treated symptomatically, and all except one who was comatose on admission made a complete recovery. Health education and preventive measures are given.
Abu-Ekteish
F
F
Department of Paediatrics, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid. faisall152@yahoo.com
D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007597:Jordan / Q000453:epidemiology; D007648:Kerosene / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012621:Seasons
D007648:Kerosene