ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Perth Children's Hospital - WA, Australia
Background:
Single-use laundry detergent “pods” contain concentrated liquid detergent encased in a dissolvable membrane. Their ubiquity in the household has resulted in a novel mechanism of injury, causing periocular chemical burns in paediatric populations. Despite the rising incidence, there is a paucity of research focusing on the specific implications of these injuries. As such, the objectives of this study were twofold: to complete a scoping review of periocular chemical burns and, second, to describe our experience with patients with this injury.
Methods:
A comprehensive scoping review was conducted to identify peer-reviewed literature addressing periocular burns resulting from laundry detergent capsule exposure. Databases searched focused on studies detailing clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. Additionally, we present a case series of three paediatric patients who sustained periocular burns from detergent capsules, managed at our state paediatric burns centre.
Results:
Five articles met the inclusion criteria, published from 2006 to 2018. A total of 96 patients were included, with all patients having generally favourable outcomes with irrigation. There were no cases of blindness or permanently altered visual acuity. The three cases managed at our unit were aged 5,6, and 9 respectively; one received an amniotic membrane transplant, and another received an injection of subconjunctival triamcinolone. There were transient decreases in visual acuity, which returned to baseline at 6-week follow-up. Periocular scars were minimal and flat. There were no cases of blindness.
Discussion:
Laundry pods pose a serious risk of periocular burns in young children. Despite favourable outcomes with prompt treatment, such injuries can cause significant morbidity. Strengthened prevention, such as child-resistant packaging and public education, is needed to reduce these injuries.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Gabrielle Croker - , Dr Dulan Gunawardena - , Dr Natalia Ziolkowski - , Dr Rachael Baines - , Dr Helen Douglas - , Dr Sandeep B -
