Fatal phenolphthalein poisoning with fulminant hepatic failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation

A 32-year-old female ingested an unknown quantity of Nylax tablets containing phenolphthalein. This results in widespread organ involvement, predominantly causing liver damage and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The eventual cause of death was massive liver necrosis. We suggest that phenolphthalein was responsible for the widespread damage.