Toxicity of exposed aluminium phosphide

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• Aluminium phosphide (ALP) poisoning is a growing concern.
• The form and freshness of ingested ALP may influence toxicity.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the systemic effects and outcomes of ALP poisoning based on the form of ingestion.
• To differentiate the toxicity of partially or fully exposed ALP from active, fresh compounds.
• To assess the impact of ALP tablet form (broken/granular vs. powder) on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients with a history of ALP ingestion were studied.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group I (broken/granular tablets) and Group II (old powder).
• Systemic effects, including hypotension, ECG changes, metabolic acidosis, and mortality, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Group I (n=40) showed mild hypotension (30 patients), ECG changes (4 patients), and mild metabolic acidosis (4 patients).
• A 2.5% mortality rate (1 patient) was observed in Group I.
• Group II (n=10) exhibited no systemic effects or mortality.

Conclusions:

• Ingestion of old or broken/granular aluminium phosphide tablets results in significantly lower toxicity and mortality compared to fresh compounds.
• The form and potential degradation of ALP influence its systemic effects.
• Clinical differentiation based on the ingested ALP's condition is vital for prognosis and management.