Non-accidental dettol poisoning in a 3 day old neonate : a rare form of child abuse

Abstract

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