Extensive gastrointestinal damage following a saline emetic.
A 27-year old female received about 1 kg of salt in about 600 ml of water as an emetic after a self-poisoning attempt. Vomiting did not occur and massive necrosis of gastric, duodenal, and jejunal mucosa resulted in a severe and prolonged illness which required 31 weeks of continuous hospital care and 31 laparotomies over a period of 16 months. The dangers of salt emesis are emphasized.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004064:Digestive System / Q000473:pathology*; D004639:Emetics; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007417:Intestinal Polyps / Q000209:etiology; D007583:Jejunum / Q000473:pathology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004639:Emetics; D012965:Sodium Chloride