Aluminium phosphide poisoning

Abstract

Aluminium phosphide is a solid fumigant pesticide widely used in the Indian subcontinent as a grain preservative. Over the last 5 years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases of aluminium phosphide poisoning in India. Ninety-two patients with aluminium phosphide poisoning due to ingestion were studied over a period of 3 years. Abdominal pain, vomiting and restlessness were the common initial features followed by alteration in sensorium and shock unresponsive to conventional treatment. Electrocardiographic abnormalities were very common and highly variable. Routine serum biochemistry was usually unremarkable. Severe metabolic acidosis was common and mortality high (49%). The survivors recover completely without any residual organ damage. There is no known antidote.