Hydrogen sulfide exposure in an adult male.
Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is responsible for many incidents of occupational toxic exposure, especially in the petroleum industry. The clinical effects of H(2)S depend on its concentration and the duration of exposure. H(2)S is immediately fatal when concentrations are over 500-1000 parts per million (ppm) but exposure to lower concentrations, such as 10-500 ppm, can cause various respiratory symptoms that range from rhinitis to acute respiratory failure. H(2)S may also affect multiple organs, causing temporary or permanent derangements in the nervous, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, and hematological systems. We present a case of occupational exposure to H(2)S leading to multi-organ involvement, acute respiratory failure, organizing pneumonia, and shock resembling acute sepsis. The patient also developed mild obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and peripheral neuropathy.
Doujaiji
Bassam
B
Internal Medicine Services Division, Dhahran Health Center, Saudi Aramco Medical Services Organization, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Tawfiq
Jaffar A
JA
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000506:poisoning; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018549:Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide / Q000506:poisoning*; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D012769:Shock / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D006862:Hydrogen Sulfide