Hydrogen cyanide poisoning in a prison environment: a case report.

Abstract

Cyanide poisoning is an important source of morbidity and mortality from smoke exposure in structural fires. This case involved administration of a cyanide antidote to a prisoner (male, 23 years) in France, discovered in cardiorespiratory arrest after about 30 minutes exposure to smoke from a burning mattress during an apparent suicide attempt. Smoke exposure, circulatory failure during initial resuscitation, and elevated blood cyanide and lactate led to the diagnosis of cyanide poisoning. Hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit®), 5 g intravenous) was given immediately and on arrival at the hospital. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation restored cardiovascular function after 33 minutes. There were no neurological or other sequelae. Timely hydroxocobalamin administration contributed to full recovery from cardiorespiratory arrest secondary to cyanide poisoning from smoke inhalation. Hydroxocobalamin should be available to emergency medical teams attending fire scenes.

• Authors: Jean-Luc Fortin, Virginie Judic-Peureux, Thibault Desmettre, Cyril Manzon, Daniel Grimon, Ulrike Hostalek, Christine Fétro, Gilles Capellier
• Journal: Journal of correctional health care : the official journal of the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (J Correct Health Care) Vol. 17 Issue 1 Pg. 29-33 (Jan 2011) ISSN: 1940-5200 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21278317 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Smoke
• Hydrogen Cyanide
• Hydroxocobalamin

Topics

• Critical Care (methods)
• Electrocardiography
• France
• Heart Arrest (chemically induced, diagnosis, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hydrogen Cyanide (administration & dosage, blood, poisoning)
• Hydroxocobalamin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Inhalation
• Male
• Prisoners
• Smoke (adverse effects)
• Young Adult