Toxicity of exposed aluminium phosphide.

ABSTRACT

Poisoning by the partially or fully exposed compound of aluminium phosphide (ALP) is becoming common, Fifty patients with history of ingestion of ALP either in the form of broken tablets or granular powder were included in this study for analysis of systemic effects and outcome. Forty patients (Gr. I) consumed broken or granular form of tablets. Ten patients (Gr. II) consumed only powder form of tablets from an old container. 30 patients in group-I developed mild hypotension (BP 80-90 mm Hg). 4 patients (10%) developed ECG changes and mild metabolic acidosis. One patient died constituting 2.5% mortality rate. The patients of group-II neither developed any systemic effects nor showed any mortality. The aim of the study is to differentiate these cases from patients who consume active, fresh compound where mortality rate will be much higher.