title: Successful management of zinc phosphide poisoning.
abstract: Zinc phosphide (Zn2P3) rodenticide, is generally misused intentionally for suicidal purpose in Iran. For many years, scientists believe that liberation of phosphine (PH3) on contact with acidic content of the stomach is responsible for clinical presentations. However, relatively long time interval between ingestion of Zn2P3 and presentation of its systemic toxicity, and progression of acute liver failure could not be explained by the current opinion. Hence, an innovative theory intended that phosphonium, as an intermediate product will create and pass through the stomach, which then will reduce to produce PH3in the luminal tract. Here, we present a case of massive Zn2P3 poisoning. In our case, we used repeated doses of castor oil to induce bowel movement with an aim of removing unabsorbed toxin, which was proved by radiography. Interestingly, the patient presents only mild symptoms of toxicity such as transient metabolic acidosis and hepatic dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Vahid
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Shakoori
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Education, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahsa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Agahi
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vasheghani-Farahani
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
authors.forename: Sayed Mahdi
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Marashi
keywords: Management; poisoning; zinc phosphide