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A rare cause of poisoning in childhood: yellow phosphorus

Mustafa Taskesen1, Salih Adıguzel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey.

The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Yellow phosphorus poisoning is a rare but dangerous condition in children, affecting multiple organs and leading to severe outcomes. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for managing this toxic ingestion.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Yellow phosphorus poisoning is a rare but severe condition with a high mortality rate.
  • It can cause pathological changes in vital organs including the liver, heart, kidneys, spleen, and brain.

Observation:

  • This report details two pediatric cases of yellow phosphorus poisoning.
  • Patients presented with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress.

Findings:

  • Laboratory tests indicated significant hepatotoxicity and coagulation disorders in the affected children.
  • Conservative therapy was administered, but unfortunately, one of the two patients died.

Implications:

  • Yellow phosphorus poisoning is a critical pediatric emergency requiring prompt medical attention.
  • This case highlights the severe risks associated with yellow phosphorus ingestion in children and the need for increased awareness.
Abstract

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