Citation

Jover F, Andreu L, Robert J, Merino J. Rev. Med. Chile 2001; 129(6): 660-662.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Sociedad Medica De Santiago)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11510207

Abstract

The ingestion of iron-containing products is a potential toxicological emergency. It is a leading cause of pediatric unintentional ingestion fatalities because some iron-containing compounds are readily available (vitamin mixtures, iron pills). Among adults, it has been described as accidental overdoses (mainly in pregnancy) and as suicidal attempts. We report a 42 years old woman, admitted due to the intentional ingestion of iron pills with suicidal purposes. A plain abdominal X ray showed at least 20 pills in the gastric fundus and antrum. She was successfully treated with intravenous desferroxamine chelation. Plain abdominal X ray examination can be very useful in the diagnosis of acute iron poisoning.

Language: es

Keywords

Adult; Female; Humans; Iron; Middle Aged; Poisoning; Suicide, Attempted