Novel Use of Ophthalmic pH Paper to Diagnose Malicious Caustic Ingestion in a Pediatric Patient

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2018 Jan 9;2(1):39-42. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2017.11.36367. eCollection 2018 Feb.

Abstract

Occult caustic ingestion in the pediatric population is a challenging diagnosis to make in the emergency department. Failure to suspect and diagnose a caustic ingestion can lead to potentially life-changing comorbidities. Historically, the diagnosis of caustic ingestion has been clinical without any suitable diagnostic tools to aid in the suspicion of occult cases. In this case, we describe a novel use of ophthalmic pH paper to diagnose caustic ingestion in a three-year-old.

Publication types

  • Case Reports