Aluminium Phosphide Poisoning: A Challenge for the Physician

ABSTRACT

Acute Aluminium Phosphide ( ALP ) Poisoning by insalational or ingestional exposure is seen world wide. Except in Morocco, Denmark and India, nowhere in the world, it is ingested for deliberate self-poisoning ( DSP ), The rural belts of North states of India are worst affected with high and variable mortality rates in the young population with male dominance. The poison affects all systems; the shock, carding arrhythmias wityh varied electrocardiograph (ECG ) changes and gastrointestinal (GIT ) features being the most prominent. The role of magnesium sulphate (Mg So4) in reducing the cardiac arrhythmias and mortality is well documented and the problem needs multi-faceted approach in the form ofpreventive measures, strengthening ofmedical-aid services at gross root levels, stringent restricitions on supply of ALP in open market, updating the management techniques and overall a search for an antidote.