A fatal case of multi-organ failure in acute yellow phosphorus poisoning
Phosphorus is a nonmetallic irritant used in various sectors like rodenticide, firecracker industries, match industries, and fertilizers. Phosphorus poisoning is responsible for deaths among children and adults. Accidental yellow phosphorus poisoning is frequently reported in children, whereas suici...
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Published in | Autopsy & case reports Vol. 10; no. 1; p. e2020146 |
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Main Authors | , , , , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English Portuguese |
Published |
Brazil
São Paulo, SP: Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital Universitário
2020
Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo University of São Paulo |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Phosphorus is a nonmetallic irritant used in various sectors like rodenticide, firecracker industries, match industries, and fertilizers. Phosphorus poisoning is responsible for deaths among children and adults. Accidental yellow phosphorus poisoning is frequently reported in children, whereas suicidal consumption is not uncommon amongst adults. Herein, we present the case of a 30-year-old female patient who ingested Ratol paste containing yellow phosphorus in an attempt to commit suicide. Her initial chief complaints were nausea, vomiting along with loose motion during hospitalization, followed by a symptomless phase with stable vitals on the 2
day, and managed conservatively. She took discharge against the medical advice. Later on, she was readmitted in the same hospital, after two days, complaining of generalized weakness, bodily pain, drowsiness, loss of appetite, and breathing difficulties. She developed severe complications due to the intoxication and died. An autopsy was performed. The histopathological and the toxicological examination were carried out. We found characteristic features in different organs due to yellow phosphorus toxicity. We concluded the cause of death as hepatic encephalopathy and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome caused by the yellow phosphorus poisoning. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Case Study-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 content type line 23 ObjectType-Report-1 Conflict of interest: None Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to this work from performing the autopsy to writing the manuscript. All authors proofread and approved the final paper’s version to be published. |
ISSN: | 2236-1960 2236-1960 |
DOI: | 10.4322/acr.2020.146 |