Accidental poisoning with kerosene oil in children is common in India and some other countries. A prognostic score can be used to assess the child and can be used to help guide therapeutic intervention appropriate to the severity of the exposure.
Parameters:
(1) fever
(2) severe malnutrition
(3) respiratory distress
(4) neurological symptoms.
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
fever |
absent |
0 |
|
present |
1 |
severe malnutrition |
absent |
0 |
|
present |
1 |
respiratory distress |
absent |
0 |
|
present without cyanosis |
2 |
|
present with cyanosis |
4 |
neurological symptoms |
absent |
0 |
|
present without convulsions |
2 |
|
present with convulsions |
4 |
prognostic score =
= (points for fever) + (points for malnutrition) + (points for respiratory distress) + (points for neurological symptoms)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 10
• A score >= 4 was associated with a prolonged hospital stay and complications.
• A score >= 8 was associated with an increased risk of dying, while a score <= 7 indicated that the child would likely survive.
Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,