A Retrospective Study of the Severity of Injury following Potassium Permanganate Ingestion in Teenagers and Adults in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Introduction: Potassium Permanganate (KMnO4) is an uncommon cause of caustic ingestion in teenagers and adults; only case reports are found the recent literature. At Ngwelezana Hospital South Africa, KMnO4 not indication for admission. readily available as used most households recommended medicinal purposes by traditional health practitioners. Aim: To ascertain reasons ingestion, extent severity injury determined upper gastro-intestinal studies, patient outcomes comparison with global Methods: We performed a retrospective study 26 teenage adult patients, admitted to our wards following ingestion. Data collected on demographics, reason quantity ingested. Oral inspection findings recorded grading (Zargar) corrosive oesophagus stomach. Patients’ outcome duration hospital stay documented. Results: There were 73% females 27% males, average age 23 years. Reasons included parasuicide (84%), accidental (8%), relief abdominal pain (8%). The vast majority (96%) swallowed solution rather than solid form. volume concentration taken was difficult quantify. discoloration, oedema, ulceration 58%. Gastro-intestinal endoscopy 92%; abnormalities demonstrated 68% (oesophageal 14%, oesophageal gastric injuries alone 41%). Oesophageal injuries: n = 6; Zargar grade 1—83%, 2A—17%. Gastric 12; 1—42%, 2A—33%, 2B—25%. Average 2.9 days (range 2–8 days). no mortalities complications at 6 weeks. Conclusion: adults setting, mostly related suicide attempts often liquid possibly low systemic noted there milder compared from elsewhere mucosal necrosis KMnO4.