Citation

Chauhan V, Sharma R, Sharma K, Sharma G, Jitender S, Jearth V. Toxicol. Int. 2014; 21(3): 314-315.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Society of Toxicology India)

DOI

10.4103/0971-6580.155379

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Reddish black discoloration of urine in absence of red blood cells (RBCs) can be a manifestation of hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria. We report a patient who was admitted for persistent vomiting. On 2 nd day of admission, his urine turned reddish black. The patient then revealed that he had ingested mothballs 1 day back to commit suicide. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous (IV) fluids and antiemetics. Mothballs are rarely reported as a suicidal agent and most cases are related to accidental exposure of children while playing. IV hemolysis is also reported with mothball ingestion. Our patient quickly became normal within 24 h and there was no residual organ damage.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; suicide; male; case report; liver failure; methemoglobinemia; suicide attempt; intoxication; vomiting; hospital admission; tachycardia; fluid therapy; follow up; patient counseling; naphthalene; conservative treatment; antiemetic agent; infusion fluid; Article; hemoglobin; kidney dysfunction; hemoglobinuria; urine color; young adult; intravascular hemolysis; naphthalene poisoning; renal failure; Hepatic failure; IV hemolysis; mothball; myoglobinuira