Related Experiment Videos
[Severe acute White-Spirit poisoning with pulmonary hypertension]
S Dauger1, E Gondon, S Aizenfisz
1Service de pédiatrie-réanimation, hôpital Robert-Debré, assistance publique-hôpitaux de Paris, faculté Xavier-Bichat, Université Paris VII, Paris, France. stephane.dauger@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Insights
Acute White-Spirit poisoning in an infant caused severe lung injury and pulmonary hypertension. Prompt treatment with inhaled nitric oxide resolved the hypertension, highlighting the need for cardiac monitoring in such cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Pulmonology
Background:
- White-Spirit (a hydrocarbon solvent) ingestion can lead to severe acute lung injury.
- Pulmonary hypertension is a potential complication of acute lung injury following toxic exposures.
Observation:
- A 14-month-old infant ingested White-Spirit, subsequently developing seizures and acute lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Cardiac ultrasound revealed pulmonary hypertension, which was successfully treated with inhaled nitric oxide.
- The infant recovered fully with normal respiratory function two months post-discharge.
Findings:
- Acute lung injury from White-Spirit poisoning can precipitate reversible pulmonary hypertension.
- Inhaled nitric oxide is an effective treatment for hydrocarbon-induced pulmonary hypertension in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition and management of pulmonary hypertension are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider screening for pulmonary hypertension in pediatric cases of severe acute lung injury due to White-Spirit ingestion.
- This case underscores the importance of comprehensive monitoring and timely intervention in hydrocarbon poisoning.
- Further research into the mechanisms and optimal management of hydrocarbon-induced pulmonary hypertension is warranted.
Unlabelled:
The Authors report a case of acute White-Spirit poisoning with pulmonary hypertension associated to respiratory distress syndrome.
Case Report:
A 14-month-old infant drank an unknown quantity of White-Spirit while his parents were painting. After he spontaneously vomited, he presented a seizure at the emergency department. After a 36 h stay in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), acute lung injury required mechanical ventilation and vasoactive support. Cardiac ultrasounds showed pulmonary hypertension, which rapidly resolved with inhaled nitric oxide. The child was discharged of PICU after five days. Respiratory follow-up two months after poisoning was normal.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary hypertension should be checked for in case of White-Spirit ingestion complicated with severe acute lung injury.