Adult respiratory distress syndrome following aluminium phosphide ingestion. Report of 4 cases.

Four cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) following aluminium phosphide ingestion (ALP) are being reported. The dose of the intoxicant varied from 2 tablets (6.0 gm) to 3 tablets (9.0 gm). All patients had shock at admission and developed ARDS within 6 hours. The exhalation of Phosphine, (PH3) detected by positive silver nitrate paper test, was the possible noxious triggering factor in our cases. The cases are being reported because of their rare occurrence.