Initial signs and symptoms as prognostic indicators of severe gastrointestinal tract injury due to corrosive ingestion

Corrosive ingestion can produce severe upper gastrointestinal tract injury with long-lasting suffering and even death. Early assessment of the extent of damage is important, not only for treatment, but also for hospitalization. We did a prospective study to determine the prognostic value of initial signs and symptoms as indicators of the degree of gastrointestinal injury. We found that drooling saliva, buccal mucosa burn, and white blood cell count were significant independent predictors. The simple chart, "Med-TU chart," has been developed. We consider it to be a useful tool for emergency physicians who evaluate patients with corrosive ingestions. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc.