LIQUID HOUSEHOLD BLEACH INGESTION IN CHILDREN - A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW

Current literature and some standard reference textbooks fail to adequ ately delineate the management of liquid household bleach (sodium hypo chlorite) as different from other caustic agents. A literature review and retrospective study were conducted to focus attention on the clini cal course and the low potential for development of long-term sequelae secondary to liquid household bleach ingestion in children. The recor ds of 19 patients were reviewed. The mean age of children ingesting bl each was 24 months, Most children obtained the liquid from an open con tainer such as a cup. There were no short- or long-term sequelae, We i ntroduce an algorithm for the management of accidental ingestion of li quid household bleach in children, We conclude that in the United Stat es accidental bleach ingestion in children is usually associated with a benign clinical course and usually does not require hospitalization, corticosteroids, or antibiotics unless there is severe dysphagia or s igns of significant injury, Esophagoscopy may not be necessary, but fi beroptic examination of the pharynx and larynx should be included in t he assessment of these children.