Protective Role of G6PD Deficiency in Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning

A 15-year-old boy was referred to the hospital from the periphery with a history of ingestion of 5 wheat pills (aluminium phosphide) 5 days back. He had been given a stomach wash in his village hospital prior to referral. On arrival, he was jaundiced and had developed haematuria too, but otherwise appeared well in himself. Four days after admission, his haemoglobin showed a marked drop and he was shifted to intensive care, keeping in mind the high mortality rate associated with aluminium phosphide intoxication. His G6PD levels were checked, and he turned out to be G6PD deficient. The patient was given intravenous magnesium sulphate and supportive care and he improved subsequently. Wheat pill poisoning carries a high mortality of 98% in some cases; despite the high mortality, this patient survived. This may mean that G6PD deficiency has a protective role in poisoning due to aluminium phosphide.