Whole blood exchange transfusion as a promising treatment of aluminium phosphide poisoning

Abstract

A 37-year-old male was referred to us about one hour after deliberate ingestion of two 3-gram aluminium phosphide (ALP) tablets. Three hours after admission, his blood pressure dropped to 85/55 mmHg, his heart rate increased to 120 bpm, O2 saturation dropped to 82 %, and the electrocardiogram showed junctional rhythm. We started whole blood exchange, and gross haematuria and jaundice ensued. However, his blood pressure increased, arrhythmia resolved itself, and he was extubated two days after the transfusion was completed. He was sent home seven days after admission completely symptom-free. We believe this treatment may be successfully applied in ALP-poisoned patients.