Citation

Tafur AJ, Zapatier JA, Idrovo LA, Oliveros JW, Garces JC. Emerg. Med. J. 2004; 21(2): 259-260.

Affiliation

Toxicology Service, Luis Vernaza Hospital, Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

14988373

PMCID

PMC1726254

Abstract

Suicidal ingestions of fireworks containing yellow phosphorus occur often during holidays. A case is reported of a 17 year old woman who intentionally ingested an estimated amount of 5.5 mg of yellow phosphorus, presenting with upper abdominal pain as the only complaint, a physical examination was normal. Blood tests showed a considerable decrease in the granulocyte count; the bone marrow biopsy revealed a decreased cellular mass with degenerative changes. Spontaneous remission was observed during the next 48 hours, with no further complaints.

Language: en