ABSTRACT

Thinner is frequently used in industrial and house painting as thinner for paints. Although it has side affects which might affect vital functions associated with the central nervous system and respiratory system, acute intoxications due to thinner are commonly encountered in the childhood period.

To evaluate patients who presented with the complaint of thinner drinking within the last 5 years.

Of 35 cases hospitalized in our clinic, 24 (68.6%) were males, 11 (31.4%) were females. The median age of the patients was 2.3±1.3 years. On initial administration, 23 (65.7%) had nausea-vomiting, 12 (34.3%) had restlessness, nine (25.7%) had dyspnea and pulmonary rales on auscultation. During follow-up, fever developed in nine (25.7%) of the patients. There was leucocytosis in 21 (60%) of patients. Antibiotherapy was given to 13 (37.1%) of the cases. The median time for hospitalization was 2.7±1.7 days. Of the hospitalized patients, 80% were discharged in good health, while 20% left hospital before completion of theit therapy.

There should be caution in the sale, preservation and use of substances like thinner the intoxication of which have effects on vital organs. In addition, educational seminars about this subject should be held.

Keywords: Intoxication, Child, Thinner, Hydrocarbon, Emergency