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Rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and death after monensin ingestion
C Caldeira1, W S Neves, P M Cury
1Division of Nephrology, Intensive Care Unit, Service of Toxicology, and Department of Pathology, Hospital de Base, São José do Rio Preto Medical School, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
We report a case of human monensin intoxication; to our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the medical literature. The patient took a dose of monensin three times higher than a dose considered lethal for cattle and developed a clinical picture similar to that reported in veterinary medicine. There was an early and extremely severe rhabdomyolysis followed by acute renal failure, heart failure, and death. The main changes observed at autopsy were extensive skeletal muscle necrosis, complement deposition at the myocardial level, pulmonary edema, and acute tubular damage.
Insights
This is the first reported human case of monensin intoxication, mimicking veterinary poisoning. High doses caused severe rhabdomyolysis, organ failure, and death, highlighting monensin toxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Human Pathology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Monensin is an ionophore antibiotic used in veterinary medicine.
- Human monensin intoxication is not previously documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- A patient ingested a monensin dose significantly exceeding the lethal dose for cattle.
- The patient presented with severe rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, and heart failure.
Findings:
- Autopsy revealed extensive skeletal muscle necrosis and acute tubular damage.
- Myocardial complement deposition and pulmonary edema were also observed.
Implications:
- This case establishes a precedent for human monensin toxicity.
- It underscores the potential dangers of monensin overdose and the need for caution.
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