Suicidal intoxication with potassium chlorate successfully treated with renal replacement therapy and extracorporeal liver support.

Abstract

We present a case of a 22-year-old male who, in a suicide attempt, ingested approximately 200 g of potassium chlorate. Upon admission to the hospital, he presented in full respiratory failure with cyanosis. Methylene blue antidote was given but found to be ineffective. The patient was intubated and mechanical ventilation was initiated. Because of renal failure with anuria, intermittent haemodialysis (iHD) followed by continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was performed. His hospital stay was also complicated by hemolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and atrial fibrillation. Transfusions of packed red blood cells, platelets, and fresh frozen plasma were necessary to correct the deficits. He also developed liver failure and required two sessions of molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) therapy. On day 14 of his hospitalization, he regained consciousness, as well as full respiratory and circulatory function. There are no controlled studies addressing management of potassium chlorate poisoning. We suggest that early renal replacement therapy should be strongly considered.

• Authors: Jacek Sein Anand, Małgorzata Barwina, Maciej Zajac, Krystian Kaletha
• Journal: Przeglad lekarski (Przegl Lek) Vol. 69 Issue 8 Pg. 585-6 ( 2012) ISSN: 0033-2240 [Print] Poland
• PMID: 23243935 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antidotes
• Chlorates
• Methylene Blue
• chloric acid

Topics

• Acute Kidney Injury (chemically induced, therapy)
• Adult
• Antidotes (therapeutic use)
• Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury (etiology, therapy)
• Chlorates (poisoning)
• Drug Overdose (diagnosis, therapy)
• Extracorporeal Circulation
• Hemodiafiltration
• Humans
• Liver Failure (chemically induced, therapy)
• Male
• Methylene Blue (therapeutic use)
• Renal Dialysis
• Renal Replacement Therapy
• Suicide, Attempted
• Young Adult