Acute fluoride poisoning

Fluoride poisoning is a potentially severe environmental hazard for children. A case of fluoride poisong is presented which was manifested by severe hypocalcemia, ventricular arrhythmias, and respiratory failure. Treatment of this poisoning, including peritoneal dialysis, is discussed. The kinetics of fluoride distribution as measured in this patient suggest a rapid binding of ingested fluoride to bone, followed by gradual release and excretion. Peritoneal dialysis resulted in no significant fluoride removal.