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An infant fatality due to hydroxychloroquine poisoning
1Home Office Forensic Science Laboratory, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|May 1, 1990
Summary
A child experienced cardiorespiratory arrest after ingesting a massive hydroxychloroquine overdose. Postmortem analysis revealed significant hydroxychloroquine levels in the blood and liver, confirming substantial drug absorption.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial and antirheumatic drug.
- Accidental or intentional overdoses can lead to severe toxicity.
Observation:
- A 2.5-year-old boy ingested an estimated 12,000 mg of hydroxychloroquine (60 tablets x 200 mg).
- The child presented with cardiorespiratory arrest and subsequently died.
- Postmortem analysis of stomach, small intestine, liver, and plasma was performed.
Findings:
- Analytical methods including UV spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were employed.
- Modest hydroxychloroquine concentrations were found in the stomach and small intestine.
- Significantly higher hydroxychloroquine levels were detected in liver and plasma samples.
Implications:
- The findings suggest substantial absorption of hydroxychloroquine from the gastrointestinal tract into systemic circulation.
- This case highlights the potential for severe toxicity and fatality following massive hydroxychloroquine overdose.
- Accurate toxicological analysis is crucial for confirming overdose and understanding drug distribution in fatal cases.