Benzalkonium Chloride Poisoning in Pediatric Patients: Report of Case with a Severe Clinical Course and Literature Review

The use of disinfectants, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUACs), has dramatically escalated globally since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We report a case that highlights the risks associated with ingesting low-concentration QUAC solutions and emphasize the impo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Toxics (Basel) 2024-02, Vol.12 (2), p.139
Main Authors: Nițescu, Viorela, Lescaie, Andreea, Boghițoiu, Dora, Ulmeanu, Coriolan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ammonium
Ammonium compounds
Antiseptics
aspiration
Benzalkonium chloride
benzalkonium compounds
Blood tests
Candidemia
Case Report
Case reports
Causes of
Chemical properties
child
Chlorides
Complications
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Disinfectants
Disinfection & disinfectants
Disinfection and disinfectants
Edema
Emergency medical care
Emergency medical services
Endoscopy
Esophagus
Health aspects
Kinases
Lesions
Literature reviews
Metabolism
Pandemics
Patients
Pediatrics
Perceptions
Pneumonitis
Pneumothorax
Poisoning
Poisoning, Accidental
Poisons
Quaternary ammonium compounds
Quaternary ammonium salts
Sanitizers
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Streptococcus infections
Toxicology
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Summary:The use of disinfectants, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUACs), has dramatically escalated globally since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We report a case that highlights the risks associated with ingesting low-concentration QUAC solutions and emphasize the importance of effective management in resolving severe lesions without sequelae. A 17-month-old boy experienced severe respiratory failure after ingesting a disinfectant containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC). The child was initially treated at a local emergency department and was subsequently transferred to a pediatric poison center. Upon evaluation, the child was found to have grade III-A corrosive esophageal lesions and chemical pneumonitis. Several complications, including massive pneumothorax and candidemia, occurred during the clinical course of the disease. However, with timely medical intervention and appropriate supportive care, the patient completely recovered without any long-term sequelae. The properties of BAC and the comprehensive management approach may have been responsible for the patient's full recovery, despite the potentially life-threatening effects of ingesting disinfectants.
ISSN:2305-6304
2305-6304
DOI:10.3390/toxics12020139