Abstract

CRUZ, Raquel Moreira da et al. Acute Iron Poisoning: A Frequently Underrated Event. Medicina Interna [online]. 2017, vol.24, n.4, pp.300-303. ISSN 0872-671X.  https://doi.org/10.24950/rspmi/CC211/16/2017.

Acute iron poisoning is common and can be potentially severe. Early recognition is the key to a good prognosis. It can be classified into mild, moderate or severe, according to clinical manifestations and serum iron levels. We report a case of an 18-year-old female patient admitted with voluntary poisoning of 25 pills of ferrous sulphate. She manifested with nausea, vomit and diffuse abdominal pain, with normal physical examination. She was monitored and started endovenous fluids, but gastric lavage was not performed. Her serum iron level was 537 ug/dL and transferrin saturation level was 131.3%. The abdominal radiograph showed a small amount of pills on the stomach. Beholding severe iron poisoning desferroxamine was initiated. Serum iron dropped to normal levels and the patient maintained hemodynamic stability. She was discharged after Psychiatric evaluation. We present this case, because it reports a frequently underrated intoxication and alerts to its often unknown serious complications.

Keywords : Deferoxamine/therapeutic use; poisoning; Iron/poisoning; Iron Overload.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )