Citation

Emir DF, Ozturan IU, Yılmaz S. Am. J. Emerg. Med. 2018; 36(6): 1125.e3-1125.e5.

Affiliation

Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajem.2018.03.022

PMID

29559356

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent antioxidant used to treat a variety of disorders. Although ALA is considered a very safe supplement and intoxication is very rare, acute high-dose ingestions can cause mortality. In this report, we discuss a very rare case of ALA intoxication to increase awareness of this issue. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old female was referred to our emergency department with ALA intoxication after ingesting a total of 18g of ALA with a suicidal intention. The patient was found in an altered mental state and confused. During the physical examination, the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale was 13 (E4M6V3); however, she was neither alert nor oriented. Vital signs revealed a mildly decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, and an increased respiratory rate. Cranial nerve examination was normal except a horizontal gaze nystagmus. Laboratory testing showed a decompensated metabolic acidosis. T wave inversions were seen in the electrocardiography (EKG). The patient was treated with supportive treatment and discharged within three days of intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

CONCLUSION: ALA is a very common supplement that is easily accessible worldwide. Although ALA intoxication is very rare, it is sometimes seen after accidental or suicidal acute ingestion. Neurologic effects, metabolic acidosis, and t wave inversions in the EKG are observed when this acute poisoning occurs. Supportive treatment should be the main therapy.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Alpha lipoic acid; Drug toxicity; Evidence based toxicology (MeSH database)