Acute ammonium dichromate poisoning in a 2 year-old child.

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium compounds are most commonly used in printing, dyeing, plastics and rayon manufacturing. Poisoning in children by ammonium dichromate, an odorless and bright orange-red crystal, are rarely reported. Acute poisoning will result in death due to multi-organ failure. The target organs that are affected by this poison are the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, eyes and skin. On ingestion, initially there is a relative lack of severe symptoms and signs. Hence, the delay in seeking medical attention could lead to the increased rate of mortality. In this case study, we report the ingestion of ammonium dichromate by a child. Despite appropriate management, such as hepatic supportive measures and plasma transfusion, the toxicity progressed to multi-organ failure and death.

• Authors: Menon Narayanankutty Sunilkumar, Thekkuttuparambil Ananthanarayanan Ajith, Vadakut Krishnan Parvathy
• Journal: Indian journal of critical care medicine : peer-reviewed, official publication of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (Indian J Crit Care Med) Vol. 18 Issue 11 Pg. 757-8 (Nov 2014) ISSN: 0972-5229 [Print] India
• PMID: 25425845 (Publication Type: Case Reports)