Mass needle stick injury in children from the western cape
Date
2006
Authors
de Waal N.
Rabie H.
Bester R.
Cotton M.F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Illegal dumping of contaminated medical waste occurs commonly in South Africa. There is little information on the management and outcome of the children exposed to and injured by medical waste. On 15 September 1999, 54 children where involved in a mass exposure incident. 44 presented the same evening and 10 following day. Used needles and syringes were discarded on their soccer field. Children gave one another injections and played darts with the discarded needles. Parents were counselled and blood was drawn for HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serology. All were given HBV vaccination (HBVV). Stat doses of zidovudine (ZDV) and lamivudine (LMV) were given to all with visible wounds or history of percutaneous injury. Younger children were given prophylaxis as we considered their histories unreliable. Further visits were conducted at the community clinic for patient convenience. Children were reviewed at weeks 1 and 3 for drug adherence and side effects. At week 4, the second HBVV was given. At 3 months and 6 months HIV and HBV serology were repeated. 18/44 (40 per cent) had entry wounds. 44/54 (81 per cent) were given antiretroviral treatment (ART). Initial screening for HIV was negative in all, 6 had antibodies to HBV surface antigen, and 2 were HBV surface antigen positive. At week 1 all patients on ART were seen but at week 3 only 30 (55 per cent) attended. 41 (75 per cent) attended at 4 weeks, 8 non-attendees being located by primary healthcare workers. At 3 months, none of the 35 (64 per cent) children had seroconverted for either virus. 44 (81 per cent) attended at 6 months and all serology was negative. All were also Hepatitis C negative. The exposure incident sensitized the community to HIV. Follow up of patients after mass exposure is difficult and time-consuming. Adherence to ART was poor and should be carefully monitored. ZDV was probably adequate for this incident. In a non-mobile community a 3 month visit unnecessary. © 2006 Oxford University Press.
Description
Keywords
antiretrovirus agent, hepatitis B surface antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B vaccine, heppacine, lamivudine, zidovudine, adolescent, article, blood examination, child, childhood injury, community care, controlled study, exposure, follow up, health care personnel, hepatitis B, Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C, human, Human immunodeficiency virus, Human immunodeficiency virus infection, infection prevention, major clinical study, needlestick injury, nonhuman, outpatient department, parent counseling, patient compliance, patient monitoring, primary health care, screening test, sensitization, seroconversion, serodiagnosis, South Africa, unspecified side effect, vaccination, Adolescent, Anti-HIV Agents, Child, Child, Preschool, Communicable Disease Control, Environmental Exposure, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B Vaccines, HIV Infections, Humans, Lamivudine, Longitudinal Studies, Medical Waste, Needlestick Injuries, South Africa, Treatment Outcome, Zidovudine
Citation
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
52
3
52
3