Successful treatment of aluminium phosphide poisoning by dihydroxyacetone: A two-case report study.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND

OBJECTIVE

Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is an agricultural fumigant which produces phosphine gas in the presence of moisture. Phosphine inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and causes cell death by inhibiting cytochrome C oxidase. Clinical manifestations of AlP poisoning are refractory hypotension, tachycardia, low oxygen saturation and severe metabolic acidosis.

CASE SUMMARY: Two cases received dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in addition to routine management of AlP poisoning. Administration of DHA (7 gr in 50 mL sodium bicarbonate, gavage) 2 times at a 1-hour interval improved the clinical signs.

WHAT IS NEW AND

CONCLUSION

This is the first case report to highlight the safe and successful treatment of AlP poisoning with DHA. However, more clinical studies are recommended to determine the precise mechanism of DHA action.