Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method
08:21

Optimized Procedure for Determining the Adsorption of Phosphonates onto Granular Ferric Hydroxide using a Miniaturized Phosphorus Determination Method

Published on: May 18, 2018

Phosphate poisoning complicating treatment for iron ingestion

M E Geffner, L M Opas

    American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
    |May 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    A child treated for iron intoxication experienced severe phosphate poisoning due to a hypertonic sodium phosphate mixture. Prompt treatment led to recovery, highlighting the need for alternative therapies in acute iron ingestion cases.

    Area of Science:

    • Toxicology
    • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
    • Clinical Chemistry

    Background:

    • Iron intoxication is a common pediatric emergency requiring prompt treatment.
    • Hypertonic sodium phosphate solutions are sometimes used in managing iron overdose.
    • Potential complications of such treatments include electrolyte imbalances.

    Observation:

    • A 15-month-old child developed fever, obtundation, abdominal distention, dehydration, and hypotension after receiving a hypertonic sodium phosphate mixture for iron intoxication.
    • Serum chemistry revealed severe hyperphosphatemia (24.6 mg/dL), hypocalcemia (4.5 mg/dL), and elevated iron levels (49 micrograms/dL).

    Findings:

    • The patient's severe hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia were successfully treated with parenteral calcium gluconate, intravenous fluids, and supportive care.
    • Despite the severe phosphate poisoning, the child recovered uneventfully.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the potential for severe phosphate poisoning from hypertonic sodium phosphate mixtures used in iron intoxication treatment.
    • Alternative therapeutic strategies, such as sodium bicarbonate, should be considered as adjuncts to minimize risks associated with phosphate administration in acute iron ingestion.
    • Careful monitoring of serum electrolytes is crucial in pediatric patients treated for iron overdose.

    More Related Videos

    Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay05:08

    Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay

    Published on: January 31, 2022

    Quantifiable and Inexpensive Cell-Free Fluorescent Method to Confirm the Ability of Novel Compounds to Chelate Iron05:36

    Quantifiable and Inexpensive Cell-Free Fluorescent Method to Confirm the Ability of Novel Compounds to Chelate Iron

    Published on: February 23, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Introduction to Electrolytes01:33

    Introduction to Electrolytes

    In humans, electrolytes play a vital role in various physiological processes. Balancing electrolyte levels is essential for normal body functions; their imbalance can be life-threatening. The major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are primarily involved in physiological processes, such as nerve signal transmission, membrane trafficking, muscle contraction, buffering body fluids, and balancing water levels in the body.
    Role of Sodium
    One...
    Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison01:14

    Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison

    In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
    Enhanced Elimination of Poison01:26

    Enhanced Elimination of Poison

    Poison can be effectively removed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through various decontamination procedures.
    Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
    Renal excretion is the...
    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

    Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

    Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

    Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
    Antiprotozoal Agents01:21

    Antiprotozoal Agents

    Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease caused by several Leishmania species. It affects millions of people each year and remains a major public health problem in endemic regions. First-line treatment relies on pentavalent antimonials, including meglumine antimoniate and sodium stibogluconate. Even so, how these drugs work has not been fully clear, especially their interaction with parasite-specific biochemical pathways. One key target is trypanothione reductase (TR), an enzyme that...