Clinical Profile and Management of Camphor Poisoning in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study
Jayakanthan S 1, Manimaran R 1, Sathyanarayanan M 1*, Bharathi Raja K 1
Journal of Angiotherapy 5(2) 1-5 https://doi.org/10.25163/angiotherapy.52121542819191221
Submitted: 28 November 2021 Revised: 08 December 2021 Published: 19 December 2021
Abstract
Background: Accidental poisoning in infants and small children is a significant concern, often resulting from the ingestion of household substances. Camphor, a common yet potentially toxic compound, is frequently involved. This study describes the demographic and clinical profiles of children treated for camphor poisoning. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed cases of camphor poisoning in children admitted to Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital from June 2018 to January 2020. Data were collected on patient demographics, exposure routes, clinical symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Results: Among 60 children studied, most were male infants and toddlers (85% aged 1-3 years). Oral ingestion was the most common route (91%). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the predominant symptom (91.8%), with seizures typically occurring within 30 minutes of exposure and lasting 5-10 minutes. Benzodiazepines were effective in 39% of cases, with a minority requiring mechanical ventilation. Neuroimaging was normal in 98.18% of cases. Conclusion: Camphor poisoning in children often leads to seizures but rarely causes long-term neurological damage. Neuroimaging has limited prognostic value. Prevention through parental education and safe storage practices is essential to reduce incidents.
Keywords: Camphor poisoning, pediatric seizures, accidental ingestion, neuroimaging, benzodiazepines
References
Aggarwal, A., & Malhotra, H. S. (2008). Camphor ingestion: An unusual cause of seizures. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 56, 123-124.
Anderson, D. L., & Topliff, A. R. (2001). Camphor and mothballs. In Clinical Toxicology (pp. 339-342). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
Goel, A., & Aggarwal, P. (2007). Camphor—a lesser-known killer. South Medical Journal, 100(2), 134. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.smj.0000254202.13518.f3
Kohli, U., Kuttiat, V. S., Lodha, R., & Kabra, S. K. (2008). Profile of childhood poisoning at a tertiary care centre in North India. Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 75(8), 791-794. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-008-0105-7
Manoguerra, A. S., Erdman, A. R., & Wax, P. M. (2006). Camphor poisoning: An evidence-based practice guideline for out-of-hospital management. Clinical Toxicology (Phila), 44(4), 357-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650600671696
Matteucci, M. J. (2005). One pill can kill: Assessing the potential for fatal poisonings in children. Pediatric Annals, 34(12), 964-968. https://doi.org/10.3928/0090-4481-20051201-12
Narayan, S., & Singh, N. (2012). Camphor poisoning—An unusual cause of seizure. Medical Journal, Armed Forces India, 68(3), 252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mjafi.2011.11.008
Smith, A. G., & Margolis, G. (1954). Camphor poisoning: Anatomical and pharmacologic study; report of a fatal case; experimental investigation of protective action of barbiturate. American Journal of Pathology, 30, 857-869.
View Dimensions
View Altmetric
Save
Citation
View
Share