Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
06:52
Positron Emission Tomography Using 64-Copper as a Tracer for the Study of Copper-Related Disorders
Published on: April 28, 2023
Severe acute copper sulphate poisoning: a case report
Andreja Sinkovic1, Alenka Strdin, Franci Svensek
1Maribor Teaching Hospital, Maribor, Slovenia. andreja.sinkovic@guest.arnes.si
Arhiv Za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju
|April 15, 2008
Summary
Acute copper sulphate pentahydrate (CSP) poisoning is rare but serious. Early supportive care and antidotes like methylene blue and DMPS are crucial for improving survival in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CSP) is widely used in agriculture and industry.
- While chronic occupational exposure is common, acute poisoning is infrequent in Western countries.
Observation:
- A case report details a 33-year-old woman with acute CSP poisoning from attempted suicide.
- Initial symptoms included hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, dehydration, renal dysfunction, and methemoglobinemia.
Findings:
- Despite treatment with gastric lavage, fluids, and antidotes (methylene blue, DMPS), the patient developed severe intravascular hemolysis, hepatic and renal failure, and adrenal insufficiency.
- Prolonged treatment, including hemodialysis and hydrocortisone, led to discharge with mild residual organ impairment.
Implications:
- Severe copper poisoning necessitates prompt supportive measures.
- Antidotes and chelating agents significantly enhance patient outcomes and survival rates in acute copper poisoning cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
01:17Antidotes
Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten aquatic...