A Case Who Died Due to the Suicidal Intake of Aluminum Phosphide

Abstract

SUMMARYAlthough it is rarely seen in Turkey and developed countries, aluminum phosphide poisoning is an important heath problem because of its high mortality rate. Aluminum phosphate tablets in 3 g weight which are sold in the market under the trade name "57% Fumiphos" include 57% aluminum phosphide and 43% ammonium carbonate. In the present report, it was aimed to define clinical, crime scene investigation and autopsy findings of a case of aluminum phosphide poisoning that was rarely seen in Turkey and comparatively discuss data of our case and literature knowledge. 20 years old male patient, hospitalized with an ambulance following intake of aluminum phosphide while he was in military service and he was accepted as exitus after intense cardio-pulmonary resuscitation efforts. From witness statements, it was learned that patient taken orally a poison; a pill box written "Fumiphos 57% aluminum phosphide" on it, was found in patient's jacket pocket; and it was learned that patient shared some words about death in social media before the event. In the performed medico-legal autopsy, macroscopic findings were defined and the tissue samples which obtained in autopsy were examined microscopically. In the results of toxicological analysis of samples which obtained in autopsy, it was reported the presence of 14184 ng/g aluminum in stomach contents and p-toluene sulfonic acid in visceral organ and muscle samples. Macroscopic and microscopic findings which obtained at autopsy was found compatible with non-specific findings which defined in the literature. In the result of evaluation of crime scene, autopsy and toxicological analysis findings, it was decided that the person's death occurred due to aluminum phosphide poisoning. In this case report, forensic-medicine procedures in cases died due to intoxications was emphasized, and a case who died due to aluminum phosphide poisoning that was a condition commonly seen in developing countries, but rarely seen in Turkey and developed countries was presented and precautions against aluminum phosphide poisoning were defined. Additionally, we suggest that macroscopic and microscopic autopsy findings of the present case which is rarely defined in classical literature will be a guide to medico-legal examiners for aluminum phosphide poisoning. Keywords: Aluminum phosphide, Poisoning, Suicide, Autopsy, Toxicology. ÖZET Alüminyum fosfit zehirlenmesi Türkiye ve gelişmiş ülkelerde nadir görülmesine rağmen yüksek ölüm oranı nedeniyle önemli bir sağlık sorunudur. "% 57 Fumiphos" ticari ad altında piyasaya sürülen, 3 g ağırlığındaki alüminyum fosfat tabletleri % 57 alüminyum fosfit ve % 43 amonyum karbonat içermektedir. Bu makalede, Türkiye'de nadir görülen bir alüminyum fosfit zehirlenmesi olgusunun klinik, olay yeri inceleme ve otopsi bulgularının tanımlanması ve olgumuzun verileri ile literatür bilgilerinin karşılaştırmalı olarak tartışılması amaçlanmıştır. 20 yaşındaki erkek olgu, askerlik görevini yaparken, alüminyum fosfit alımını takiben ambulans ile hastaneye kaldırılmış ve yoğun ka...

Successful Treatment of Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning by Aloe Vera Syrup: A Case Report

“…Unfortunately, an early diagnosis of poisoning is impossible in the early hours and is solely based on the observation of clinical signs and symptoms [13]. The clinical findings in nonspecific poisoning are complicated by the dose, the route of use, and time elapsed after the toxicant [14]. Most of the toxicities, like AlP poisoning are confirmed after 24 hours of hemoglobin measurement [15].…”