Acute zinc chloride ingestion in a child: local and systemic effects

A 16-month-old boy ingested liquid zinc chloride/ammonium chloride soldering flux. He developed severe local burns, metabolic acidosis, hepatic damage, hyperamylasemia, lethargy, and hypertension. Peak measured plasma zinc was 1,199 micrograms/dL. Because of persistent signs of systemic toxicity, he was chelated with dimercaprol (BAL) and EDTA. Although clinical improvement was noted coincident with the initiation of chelation, there was no apparent increase in urinary zinc excretion. Scarring in the gastric antrum necessitated an antrectomy. The child recovered without other apparent complications.