Acute copper toxicity following copper glycinate injection

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Acute copper toxicity is uncommon in developed countries but represents a frequent suicide method in developing nations.
• The case involves attempted suicide via subcutaneous injection of copper glycinate, leading to severe systemic effects.

Observation:

• The patient presented with multi-organ failure, a critical outcome of acute copper toxicity.
• Copper glycinate was administered subcutaneously in a suicide attempt.

Findings:

• Subcutaneous injection of copper glycinate resulted in severe copper toxicity.
• Multi-organ failure was the primary consequence observed in this case.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe toxicity from non-oral copper exposure.
• Effective management strategies and evidence for chelating agents in acute copper toxicity require further investigation.