Successful treatment of potentially fatal heavy metal poisonings

J Emerg Med. 2007 Apr;32(3):289-94. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2006.12.013. Epub 2007 Feb 5.

Abstract

Pure inorganic heavy metal ingestions for suicidal intent are a rare occurrence. Most case reports on this subject focus on the serious neurological, hepatic, or renal side effects. We describe two cases of significant heavy metal poisonings (arsenic trioxide and mercuric chloride) that were successfully managed with aggressive decontamination and combined chelation therapy. Both chemicals were obtained in pure powder form through the Internet.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arsenic Poisoning / therapy*
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Arsenicals
  • Chelation Therapy*
  • Decontamination
  • Dimercaprol / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mercuric Chloride / poisoning*
  • Mercury Poisoning / therapy*
  • Oxides / poisoning*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Solvents / therapeutic use
  • Succimer / therapeutic use
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Therapeutic Irrigation

Substances

  • Arsenicals
  • Oxides
  • Solvents
  • Dimercaprol
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Mercuric Chloride
  • Succimer
  • Arsenic Trioxide