Acute barium intoxication following ingestion of ceramic glaze.
A case of deliberate overdose of barium sulphide in a psychiatric setting is presented, with resulting flaccid paralysis, malignant arrhythmia, respiratory arrest and severe hypokalaemia, but ultimately with complete recovery. The degree of paralysis appears to be related directly to serum barium levels. The value of early haemodialysis, particularly with respiratory paralysis and hypokalaemia, is emphasised.
Thomas
M
M
University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Bowie
D
D
Walker
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001464:Barium / Q000506:poisoning*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002516:Ceramics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009123:Muscle Hypotonia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010243:Paralysis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D001464:Barium