Accidental ingestion of a zinc and copper sulfate preparation.
METHODS
An 86-year-old woman accidentally ingested a preparation containing zinc and copper sulfate. At ninety minutes after ingestion, the peak plasma concentration was 1979 micrograms/dL for zinc and 209 micrograms/dL for copper, suggesting preferential absorption of zinc. The major complications were gastric and bronchial inflammation due to the corrosive properties of these compounds. Systemic manifestations also developed with cardiovascular failure and renal insufficiency, but the patient made a complete recovery. In addition to symptomatic treatment, chelation therapy with dimercaprol and D-penicillamine was given for 48 h.


CONCLUSIONS
The available clinical and toxicokinetic data do not support the benefits of chelation in addition to supportive therapy.
Hantson
P
P
Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
Lievens
M
M
Mahieu
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019327:Copper Sulfate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects; D004112:Dimercaprol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D015032:Zinc / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004112:Dimercaprol; D010396:Penicillamine; D015032:Zinc; D019327:Copper Sulfate