Citation

Kirrane BM, Nelson LS, Hoffman RS. Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 2006; 99(5): 358-359.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Nordic Pharmacological Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1742-7843.2006.pto_566.x

PMID

17076687

Abstract

Ingestion of strontium ferrite is previously unreported. We document absorption of strontium without acute toxicity. A 22 year-old schizophrenic man was brought to hospital after he was witnessed to pulverize and ingest flexible adhesive magnets, which later were identified as strontium ferrite. Other than auditory hallucinations his vital signs, physical examination, ECG and routine laboratories were unremarkable. Abdominal radiographs revealed diffuse radiopaque material. He was treated with whole bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) until radiographically cleared. His initial blood and urine strontium levels were 2900 microg/l and 15,000 microg/l, respectively (reference range for urine: <240 microg/l, occupational threshold 800 microg/l). A repeat urine level one week later was 370 microg/l. His hospital course was complicated by bacteraemia secondary to a thrombophlebitis at the site of the intravenous catheter, and the patient was treated with intravenous and oral antibiotics. He remained otherwise asymptomatic and was discharged to a psychiatric unit approximately 3 weeks later. Although clearly absorbed, strontium ferrite does not appear to produce acute toxicity. Delayed, and or chronic toxicity cannot be excluded based on this report.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Ferric Compounds; Humans; Intestinal Absorption; Intestines; Magnetics; Male; Poisoning; Radiography; Strontium; Suicide, Attempted; Therapeutic Irrigation; Treatment Outcome