Abstract
Kerosene accidental poisoning is increasingly seen in children coming from areas where it is used for cooking, heating, lighting and as paint thinner.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the source, presenting symptoms, complications and radiological changes in children presenting with kerosene poisoning and to test «Soiling» as a deterrent against accidental kerosene ingestion. Patients and methods: This is a hospital based prospective study that included all patients who were admitted to Ombada Teaching Hospital having ingested kerosene during the period September 2005 to September 2007. Soiling kerosene containers from outside is used as a deterrent against kerosene ingestion.
Results: A total of 115 patients with accidental kerosene poisoning were seen. Sixty were females (52.2%) and 55 males (47.8%). Mean age was 3l.8 months (S D± 23.7) with Confidence Interval of the Mean almost (2830-). The commonest presenting symptom was cough seen in 99 patients (86.1 %) and difficulty breathing in 62 (53.9%). Spontaneous vomiting was seen in 41 patients (35.7%) and induced vomiting in 27 patients (23.5 %). Thirty patients (26.1 %) developed fever and 5 presented with diarrhea (4.3%). Central Nervous System involvement included agitation in 17 patients (14.8%), stupor in 11 (9.6%), coma in 4 (3.5%), and convulsions in one patient (0.9%). Bilateral radiological features of pneumonia were
seen in 41 patients (35.7%), right side involvement in 27 (23.5%), left side involvement in 6 (5.2%) and 41 patients showed normal chest x-ray (35.7%). A strong correlation between lapse of time and radiological changes is documented using Chi square test (P = .002). In 89 patients (77.4%) the source of kerosene was plastic disposable soft drink bottles. The amount taken was estimated by report as a sip in 38 patients (33%), less than one cup in 41 (35.6%) and was unknown in 36 (31.4%). Soiling Test was positive in the 17 patients tested (100%). Three patients died of circulatory collapse, respiratory failure and air block respectively. Case fatality rate was 2.6%.
Conclusion: Kerosene poisoning remains to be an important cause of morbidity and potential fatality. Soiling, a simple and effective method of prevention is advocated.

Key words: Key words: Kerosene, poisoning, source, radiological changes, soiling, prevention