Kerosene Poisoning in Children

Abstract

The advisability or otherwise of carrying out routine gastric lavage in cases of kerosene poisoning is still much debated (Olstad and Lord, 1952; Gerarde, 1959; Capel and Gardner, 1960; George, 1960; Ashkenazi and Berman, 1961). The most recent and comprehensive study has been carried out by the American Pediatric Association (Report of the Subcommittee on Accidental Poisoning, 1962). However, further studies are necessary to decide whether gastric lavage should be undertaken (Brit. med. J., 1963). The purpose of our study is to review our cases of kerosene poisoning and to investigate whether omission of gastric lavage in the routine treatment of kerosene poisoning is justified.