Nutritional challenges in accidental caustic soda ingestion: a case report

Accidental sodium hydroxide ingestion is eventually found in Pediatrics and poses a great risk of serious and often irreversible lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. The extension and severity of the injuries vary with each patient. Esophageal stenosis is one of the most feared complications with great morbidity. For these patients, feeding is difficult and proper nutritional therapy is a challenge. Currently, no consensus exists regarding the best nutritional approach. We report a case of accidental caustic soda injury in a toddler who developed severe malnutrition due to prolonged critical illness and esophageal stenosis. We aim to stimulate debate around this concerning issue and hopefully shed some light on therapeutic possibilities.