Clinical features, multi-organ damage, and prognosis of 1,1-dichloroethylene poisoning: a retrospective case series of 13 patients.

BACKGROUND

1,1-Dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) is a widely used chlorinated solvent with known hepatotoxicity in animals, but human acute poisoning data are scarce. This study summarizes clinical features and multi-organ injury in acute 1,1-DCE poisoning.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 13 patients with single occupational exposure was conducted. Clinical data, laboratory parameters (liver, renal, coagulation, hematologic, and cardiac markers), organ support, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients developed early symptoms. Severe hepatocellular injury was prominent (median alanine aminotransferase 3,400 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase 2,516 U/L). Five patients (38.5%) developed acute kidney injury, including four with anuria. All showed coagulation abnormalities with elevated D-dimer, and 12 had myocardial injury. Organ support included mechanical ventilation (30.8%), continuous renal replacement therapy (61.5%), and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (7.7%). Three patients (23.1%) died of multiple organ failure.

CONCLUSION

Acute 1,1-DCE exposure rapidly causes multi-organ dysfunction, dominated by severe liver injury with renal, coagulation, and cardiac involvement. Early monitoring and aggressive supportive treatment are critical.