title: Phosphate poisoning by ingestion of clothes washing liquid and fabric conditioner.
abstract: A case of deliberate ingestion of clothes washing liquid and fabric conditioner is described. Tracheal intubation and controlled ventilation became necessary because of respiratory muscle dysfunction associated with hypocalcaemia. We suggest that the phosphate component of the clothes washing liquid was responsible for the dramatic metabolic upset and subsequent need for admission to the Intensive Care Unit.
authors.affiliation: Shackleton Department of Anaesthetics, Southampton General Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sheikh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D003902:Detergents / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D010710:Phosphates / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*
chemical_list: D003902:Detergents; D010710:Phosphates