Citation

Lemoine TJ, Schoolman K, Jackman G, Vernon DD. Pediatr. Emerg. Care 2011; 27(9): 869-871.

Affiliation

From the Divisions of *Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and †Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/PEC.0b013e3182348e40

PMID

21926889

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: : The objective of the study was to report the toxicity of phosphine gas after a residential fumigation that resulted in fatal poisoning of a 15-month-old toddler and her 4-year-old sibling. METHODS: : This is a case report and a review of literature. RESULTS: : A family of 6 members was exposed to phosphine gas after their yard was treated with aluminum phosphide for a rodent infestation. The inhalation of phosphine gas initially caused symptoms of abdominal distress in all of the family members. Within 36 hours of exposure, the 4-year-old sibling died of cardiopulmonary failure in a local emergency department. After an initial presentation of respiratory distress, the 15-month-old toddler progressed to complete cardiopulmonary collapse and did not survive despite aggressive intervention including extracorporeal membrane life support. CONCLUSIONS: : Unintentional phosphine gas exposure is rare but has a toxic profile that results in a high fatality rate with no known antidote.

Language: en