Biochemical changes associated with acute phosphorus poisoning (in humans)

¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

|January 1, 1990

Summary

Acute phosphorus poisoning (APP) is dangerous, with high doses causing liver failure and death. Lower doses still impact the liver but are not fatal.

Area of Science:

Background:

Acute phosphorus poisoning (APP) is a serious condition resulting from inorganic phosphorus (Pi) ingestion.
Understanding the dose-dependent effects of Pi is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the clinical outcomes and mortality rates in patients with acute phosphorus poisoning.
To correlate the severity of poisoning with the amount of ingested inorganic phosphorus.

Main Methods:

Thirty patients with acute phosphorus poisoning were recruited from the Poison Control Centre, Cairo.
Patients were categorized into three groups based on the quantity of ingested inorganic phosphorus.
Clinical data, including mortality, organ function (liver, kidney), and metabolic status, were analyzed.

Main Results:

A high mortality rate of 90% was observed in Group I (highest Pi intake), with liver failure being the primary cause of death.
Group I patients also experienced hepatorenal failure, hypoglycemia, and significant cardiac dysfunction.
Groups II and III (lower Pi intake) showed no mortality, but exhibited varying degrees of liver damage (severe in Group II, mild in Group III).

Conclusions:

The severity of acute phosphorus poisoning and associated mortality are directly related to the ingested dose of inorganic phosphorus.
Even at non-fatal doses, phosphorus poisoning can lead to significant liver injury.
Prompt medical attention and dose assessment are critical for managing phosphorus poisoning and improving patient outcomes.

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