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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
12:09
Methods for Intravenous Self Administration in a Mouse Model
Published on: December 8, 2012
Benzalkonium chloride intoxication caused by intravenous self-injection
Chudoku Kenkyu : Chudoku Kenkyukai Jun Kikanshi = the Japanese Journal of Toxicology
|March 17, 2015
Summary
Benzalkonium chloride (BZK) intravenous injection caused acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) therapy effectively treated BZK intoxication and ARDS, leading to patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Benzalkonium chloride (BZK) is a common germicide with limited reported toxicity from intravenous injection.
- Accidental or intentional intravenous BZK administration presents a rare but serious clinical scenario.
Observation:
- A case of a male nurse intentionally injecting 15 mL of 10% BZK intravenously presented with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Initial extracorporeal blood purification (hemoperfusion, plasma exchange) failed to improve ARDS.
- Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) was initiated for ARDS management.
Findings:
- Following 36 hours of CHDF, significant improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and chest X-ray findings was observed.
- The patient was successfully extubated on day 9 and discharged on day 21 with no further complications.
Implications:
- Extracorporeal blood purification, specifically CHDF, shows probable efficacy in treating severe benzalkonium chloride intoxication via intravenous route.
- This case highlights the potential of CHDF as a life-saving intervention for BZK-induced ARDS.
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