Phosphine poisoning: a case series including one fatality following fumigation with aluminium phosphide
Clinical Toxicology, cilt.64, sa.1, ss.53-55, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 64 Sayı: 1
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/15563650.2025.2579851
- Dergi Adı: Clinical Toxicology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Environment Index, MEDLINE, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.53-55
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Aluminium phosphide, environmental exposure, fumigation, heart failure, metabolic acidosis, pesticides, phosphine
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Aluminium phosphide is a highly toxic fumigant pesticide that releases phosphine upon contact with moisture. Phosphine primarily targets the cardiovascular system and may result in multi-organ failure. Case series: Four individuals from the same household were exposed when the apartment directly below their own was fumigated. After the index case was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis and discharged, he found a housemate unconscious. On admission, she had a Glasgow Coma Scale of 4, her pulse rate was 43 beats/min, her temperature was 34.3 °C, and her blood pressure was 85/60 mmHg. Her pupils were fixed and dilated; she suffered cardiac arrest and died 8 h after admission. Complaints of nausea and vomiting in two others led to the consideration of a potential toxic exposure. Discussion: Toxic exposure should be considered when multiple individuals from the same environment present with similar symptoms. This case series highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by phosphine inhalation as a result of aluminium phosphide use. Early symptoms may mimic benign conditions such as gastroenteritis. In fatal cases, rapid progression to shock, dysrhythmias, and multi-organ failure may occur. Conclusion: Four individuals from the same household were exposed to phosphine generated from the use of aluminium phosphide; one died after developing severe cardiovascular collapse.