Conservative therapeutic approach to corrosive poisonings in adults.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we assess the effectiveness of a conservative therapeutic treatment of acute corrosive poisonings in adults, and we define therapeutic protocols based on clinical and endoscopic criteria.

METHODS: We analyzed clinical records of patients with acute corrosive poisonings who were hospitalized and treated at the Toxicology Clinic at the University of Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, during a 5-year period (2006-2010). A total of 481 patients' records with cases of acute corrosive poisonings were analyzed. There were 317 female (65.9 %) and 164 male (34.1 %) patients. The purpose of the therapy in the cases of acute corrosive poisonings is to prevent perforation as well as progressive fibrosis and stenosis of the esophagus and stomach. Therapeutic approach mainly consists of proton pump inhibitors, H(2) blockers, antibiotics, and intensive hyperalimentation. There are different opinions regarding conservative treatment of acute corrosive poisonings in adults.

CONCLUSION: Based on our study of corrosive poisonings of adults, we propose a list of optimal treatment recommendations.