Acute arsenic intoxication.
The diagnosis of acute arsenic poisoning should be considered in any patient presenting with severe gastrointestinal complaints. Signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, colicky abdominal pain and profuse, watery diarrhea. Hypotension, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, mental status changes, electrocardiographic abnormalities, respiratory failure and death can result. Quantitative measurement of 24-hour urinary arsenic excretion is the only reliable laboratory test to confirm arsenic poisoning. Treatment includes gastric emesis or lavage, chelation therapy, electrolyte and fluid replacement, and cardiorespiratory support.
Campbell
J P
JP
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City.
Alvarez
J A
JA
D000208:Acute Disease; D020261:Arsenic Poisoning; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003422:Critical Care; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000150:complications; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D002614:Chelating Agents