Open AccessNon-accidental dettol poisoning in a 3 day old neonate : a rare form of child abuse
Author(s) -
R Belonwu
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
nigerian journal of paediatrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0302-4660
DOI - 10.4314/njp.v42i3.11
Subject(s) - medicine , accidental , pediatrics , child abuse , disadvantaged , accidental poisoning , poison control , suicide prevention , medical emergency , physics , acoustics , political science , law
In Nigeria, Dettol® Antiseptic Solution poisoning is an uncommon occurrence in all age groups. In a registered child specialist clinic in Kano, a three – day old neonate presented with clinical features believed initially to be due to neonatal seizures and sepsis, but which turned out to be due to non-accidental dettol® poisoning by a single mother who contaminated the glucose D granules that was meant to supplement baby’s feed. Greater vigilance on single mothers and coordinated services to single mothers is highly advocated to improve maternal – infant bonding and hence reduce infanticidal ideas.Key words: Dettol® Poisoning, Neonate, socially disadvantaged mother, child abuse