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Microwave-assisted Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Diels-Alder Reactions for the Synthesis of Functionalized Naphthalenes/Solvatochromic Dyes
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Naphthalene poisoning manifesting as hemoglobinuria
Vivek Chauhan1, Rajesh Sharma1, Kailashnath Sharma1
1Department of Medicine, Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Toxicology International
|May 8, 2015
Summary
Mothball ingestion caused reddish-black urine due to hemolysis. This rare suicidal ingestion was successfully treated with intravenous fluids and antiemetics, with no lasting organ damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Reddish-black urine, in the absence of red blood cells (RBCs), can indicate hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria.
- Mothball ingestion is a rare cause of suicidal poisoning, more commonly seen in accidental pediatric exposures.
- Naphthalene, a component of mothballs, is known to cause hemolysis.
Observation:
- A patient presented with persistent vomiting and subsequently developed reddish-black urine.
- The patient disclosed ingesting mothballs in a suicide attempt.
- Urine discoloration appeared on the second day of hospitalization.
Findings:
- The reddish-black urine was attributed to naphthalene-induced hemolysis from mothball ingestion.
- Conservative management with intravenous (IV) fluids and antiemetics was effective.
- The patient recovered fully within 24 hours with no residual organ damage.
Implications:
- This case highlights mothball ingestion as a potential, albeit rare, suicidal agent.
- Prompt conservative treatment can lead to rapid and complete recovery.
- Physicians should consider toxicological causes, including mothball ingestion, in cases of unexplained dark urine and hemolysis.
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