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Acute arsenic poisoning in two siblings
Melisa W Lai1, Edward W Boyer, Monica E Kleinman
1Regional Center for Poison Control and Prevention Serving Massachusetts, USA. melisa.lai@alumni.brown.edu
Pediatrics
|July 5, 2005
Summary
Acute arsenic poisoning occurred in two siblings who mistook pesticide for water. Despite intensive treatment, the infant died, but the older sibling recovered with standard care, highlighting arsenic toxicity risks.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Acute arsenic poisoning is a serious environmental health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
- Inorganic arsenic exposure can result from accidental ingestion of contaminated substances.
- Pesticides containing inorganic arsenic pose a significant risk if mishandled or misidentified.
Observation:
- A case series involving two siblings, a 4-month-old infant and a 2-year-old child, presented with acute arsenic poisoning.
- The children ingested solubilized inorganic arsenic from an outdated pesticide mistakenly identified as spring water.
- The infant received aggressive medical interventions, including chelation therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, exchange transfusion, and hemodialysis.
Findings:
- The 4-month-old infant experienced a lethal dose of arsenic, succumbing despite maximal medical efforts.
- The 2-year-old sibling, however, responded well to conventional therapeutic approaches.
- This case highlights the variable outcomes and severe toxicity associated with acute inorganic arsenic ingestion in children.
Implications:
- Accidental arsenic ingestion, especially from misidentified pesticides, presents a critical public health challenge.
- Pediatric arsenic poisoning requires prompt recognition and tailored treatment strategies.
- The case underscores the importance of safe storage and clear labeling of hazardous household chemicals to prevent pediatric poisoning incidents.