RESUMEN
Gun bluing solution is commonly used to polish guns and prevent rusting. The authors report a case of a 2-year-old boy who inadvertently ingested approximately 15 ml of his father's Fox Gun Blue solution. The patient subsequently developed acidosis, hypotension, and coma. He died within four hours after ingestion. His plasma selenium level was 857 ng/ml. A brief review of other reported ingestion of gun bluing liquid in both adults and children is also included.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Accidentes Domésticos , Preescolar , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Humanos , Masculino , Ácido Selénico , Selenio/sangre , TailandiaRESUMEN
Three spectrometric methods, that is, spectrofluorimetry (SF), atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization (ET-AAS), and atomic fluorescence spectrometry with hydride generation (HG-AFS) were used for the determination of total selenium in biological samples taken from postmortem material in a case of acute selenium compound poisoning. The precision of the SF, ET-AAS, and HG-AFS methods (RSD, n=10) was found to be in the ranges of 10.0-15.0, 3.0-6.0 and 1.0-1.5%, respectively, and the detection limit was 10.0, 4.0, and 0.1 µg/L of Se, respectively. In the case of HG-AFS, the analytical procedure takes less time and is less laborious than the other methods considered. The obtained results show the usefulness of the HG-AFS method as a supplementary analytical tool to the SF and ET-AAS methods with respect to the determination of selenium as well as the possibility of using this method as a primary one in forensic toxicology practice.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenio/análisis , Espectrometría de Fluorescencia , Espectrofotometría Atómica , Femenino , Toxicología Forense , Humanos , Riñón/química , Hígado/química , Pulmón/química , Estómago/química , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Selenium is an element necessary for normal cellular function, but it can have toxic effects at high doses. We investigated an outbreak of acute selenium poisoning. METHODS: A case was defined as the onset of symptoms of selenium toxicity in a person within 2 weeks after ingesting a dietary supplement manufactured by "Company A," purchased after January 1, 2008. We conducted case finding, administered initial and 90-day follow-up questionnaires to affected persons, and obtained laboratory data where available. RESULTS: The source of the outbreak was identified as a liquid dietary supplement that contained 200 times the labeled concentration of selenium. Of 201 cases identified in 10 states, 1 person was hospitalized. The median estimated dose of selenium consumed was 41 749 microg/d (recommended dietary allowance is 55 microg/d). Frequently reported symptoms included diarrhea (78%), fatigue (75%), hair loss (72%), joint pain (70%), nail discoloration or brittleness (61%), and nausea (58%). Symptoms persisting 90 days or longer included fingernail discoloration and loss (52%), fatigue (35%), and hair loss (29%). The mean initial serum selenium concentration of 8 patients was 751 microg/L (reference range, < or =125 microg/L). The mean initial urine selenium concentration of 7 patients was 166 microg/24 h (reference range, < or =55 microg/24 h). CONCLUSIONS: Toxic concentrations of selenium in a liquid dietary supplement resulted in a widespread outbreak. Had the manufacturers been held to standards used in the pharmaceutical industry, it may have been prevented.
Asunto(s)
Alopecia/inducido químicamente , Suplementos Dietéticos/envenenamiento , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/inducido químicamente , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenio/envenenamiento , Enfermedad Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Alopecia/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/epidemiología , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Selenio/administración & dosificación , Compuestos de Selenio/administración & dosificación , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Factores de Tiempo , Adulto JovenAsunto(s)
Alopecia/prevención & control , Suplementos Dietéticos/envenenamiento , Industria Farmacéutica/normas , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/prevención & control , Educación del Paciente como Asunto , Medición de Riesgo/métodos , Selenio/envenenamiento , Enfermedad Aguda , Alopecia/inducido químicamente , Alopecia/epidemiología , Congresos como Asunto , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Industria Farmacéutica/legislación & jurisprudencia , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades Gastrointestinales/epidemiología , Humanos , Incidencia , Factores de Riesgo , Selenio/administración & dosificación , Compuestos de Selenio/administración & dosificación , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Estados Unidos/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A 48-year-old woman presented after taking 2000 mg of selenium dioxide, corresponding to 10 times the experimental lethal dose in animals. She presented with mildly altered consciousness and hematemesis. Endoscopy revealed mucosal damage throughout the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. There was no evidence of perforation. After intubation and gastric lavage, hemodialysis was performed. The patient was discharged uneventfully on the 16(th) day. This case highlights a very rare acute selenium intoxication. Serum and urinary selenium levels and serum glutathione peroxidase activities during the patient's course were followed, as well as the mucosal corrosive damage caused by the selenium.
Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/envenenamiento , Servicios Médicos de Urgencia/métodos , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Úlcera Gástrica/inducido químicamente , Enfermedad Aguda , Administración Oral , Antioxidantes/administración & dosificación , Corrosión , Endoscopía Gastrointestinal , Femenino , Glutatión Peroxidasa/sangre , Humanos , Dosificación Letal Mediana , Persona de Mediana Edad , Esquizofrenia/complicaciones , Selenio/sangre , Selenio/orina , Compuestos de Selenio/administración & dosificación , Óxidos de Selenio , Úlcera Gástrica/diagnóstico , Intento de Suicidio , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
Wetland microcosms were used to evaluate the ability of constructed wetlands to remove extremely high concentrations of selenocyanate (SeCN-), arsenic (As), and boron (B) from wastewater generated by a coal gasification plant in Indiana. The wetland microcosms significantly reduced the concentrations of selenium (Se), As, B, and cyanide (CN) in the wastewater by 64%, 47%, 31%, and 30%, respectively. In terms of the mass of each contaminant, 79%, 67%, 57%, and 54% of the Se, As, B, and CN, respectively, loaded into the microcosms were removed from the wastewater. The primary sink for the retention of contaminants within the microcosms was the sediment, which accounted for 63%, 51%, and 36% of the Se, As, and B, respectively. Accumulation in plant tissues accounted for only 2-4%, while 3% of the Se was removed by biological volatilization to the atmosphere. Of the 14 plant species tested, cattail, Thalia, and rabbitfoot grass were highly tolerant of the contaminants and exhibited no growth retardation. Environmental toxicity testing with fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae confirmed that the water treated by the wetland microcosms was less toxic than untreated water. The data from the wetland microcosms support the view that constructed wetlands could be used to successfully reduce the toxicity of aqueous effluent contaminated with extremely high concentrations of SeCN-, As, and B, and that a pilot-scale wetland should therefore be constructed to test this in the field. Cattail, Thalia, and rabbitfoot grass would be suitable plant species to establish in such wetlands.
Asunto(s)
Arsénico/aislamiento & purificación , Boro/aislamiento & purificación , Cianatos/aislamiento & purificación , Ecosistema , Compuestos de Selenio/aislamiento & purificación , Eliminación de Residuos Líquidos/métodos , Microbiología del Agua , Purificación del Agua/métodos , Animales , Arsénico/análisis , Arsénico/farmacocinética , Intoxicación por Arsénico/prevención & control , Biomasa , Boro/análisis , Boro/farmacocinética , Boro/envenenamiento , Cianatos/análisis , Cianatos/farmacocinética , Cianatos/envenenamiento , Cyprinidae , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Larva/crecimiento & desarrollo , Raíces de Plantas/química , Brotes de la Planta/química , Plantas/metabolismo , Compuestos de Selenio/análisis , Compuestos de Selenio/farmacocinética , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Distribución Tisular , Volatilización , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/aislamiento & purificación , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/farmacocinéticaRESUMEN
Selenium is one of the most toxic elements necessary for the life of mammals. Only a narrow range separates therapeutic (connected with a protective effect) and toxic doses. Selenium incorporated into animal or human tissues in larger amounts can exceed normal human levels and may be toxic (only elemental selenium and selenium sulphide are poorly absorbed). Acute poisonings with selenium or its compounds, especially fatal ones, occur extremely rarely in humans. Levels of selenium in four fatal cases are reviewed, and the levels in a fatal poisoning with sodium tetraoxoselenate(VI) are evaluated. Postmortem tissue selenium contents in the latter case were the following: brain, 1.45 and 1.60 microg/g; stomach, 6.12 and 6.37 microg/g; small intestine, 4.37 and 4.13 microg/g; large intestine, 4.53 and 4.43 microg/g; liver, 4.20 and 4.35 microg/g; kidney, 3.35 and 3.60 microg/g; lung, 1.80 and 1.60 microg/g; blood, 1.43 and 1.41 microg/ml measured by the use of ETA-AAS and fluorimetric methods, respectively.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Suicidio , Adulto , Femenino , Fluorometría , Humanos , Compuestos de Selenio/metabolismo , Espectrofotometría Atómica , Distribución TisularRESUMEN
Reports of acute human selenium toxicity are rare. We report 2 new cases. One patient ingested a mouthful of selenic acid (30 g/L); he only suffered mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Serial measurements of plasma selenium concentrations were performed. The first plasma level was obtained 3 h after ingestion and was the highest (931 micrograms/L); plasma concentrations subsequently decreased with a half-life of 17.5 h. The second patient ingested 1.7 g of sodium selenite. He suffered severe gastroenteritis, had transient electrocardiographic changes and developed a slight elevation of serum bilirubin. The first serum concentration measurement was performed 3 h after ingestion; the selenium level was 2.716 micrograms/L. These data are compared to those from other published cases. The prognostic significance of the blood selenium concentration is discussed.
Asunto(s)
Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenito de Sodio/envenenamiento , Adulto , Bilirrubina/sangre , Electrocardiografía/efectos de los fármacos , Gastroenteritis/sangre , Gastroenteritis/inducido químicamente , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ácido Selénico , Selenio/sangre , Compuestos de Selenio/farmacocinética , Selenito de Sodio/farmacocinética , Espectrofotometría Atómica , Intento de SuicidioRESUMEN
Selenosis is thought to be a significant problem among waterfowl populations in selenium-contaminated wetlands in the western United States. Chemical analysis of avian tissues is currently the principal basis for diagnosis. The purpose of these two 150-day studies was to establish whether morphological criteria for selenosis could be developed to supplement chemical analysis. Forty-eight flightling male mallard ducks were fed either a proprietary waterfowl ration (< 1 ppm selenium) or the same ration amended to contain 10, 25, and 60 ppm selenium supplied as seleno-L-methionine (n = 12/group). In a separate study, 12 birds fed twice daily were offered either a proprietary ration or a selenium-supplemented ration (120 microg/g) for one of two daily feedings. Selenium in whole blood increased from baseline concentrations (< 0.4 microg/ml) to means of 4.5, 8.9, and 16.0 microg/ml in the 10-, 25-, and 60-ppm groups, respectively. All birds in the 60-ppm-dose group rapidly lost weight and were killed (11/12) or died (1/12) between 22 and 50 days of dietary exposure. In addition to emaciation, six of 12 birds (50%) fed the 60-microg/g diet developed mild to moderate generalized hepatopathy with single-cell necrosis, karyomegaly of hepatocytes, hyperplastic bile duct epithelium, and/or iron accumulation in Kupffer cells. The principal lesions in birds exposed to other dietary concentrations of selenium involved integumentary structures containing hard keratin. Gross lesions developed after 76 days of dietary exposure and consisted of bilaterally symmetrical alopecia of the scalp and dorsal cervical midline, broken or lost digital nails, and necrosis of the tip of the beak (maxillary nail). One or more of these three lesions were present in 0/12 birds (0%) fed 10 ppm selenium, 5/12 birds (42%) fed 25 ppm selenium, and 4/9 (44%) birds fed a split-feed diet containing 120 ppm selenium. Controls were unaffected. Histologic lesions in digital and maxillary nails consisted of single-cell to full-thickness necrosis of keratinocytes and multifocal parakeratosis in stratum corneum. Histologic lesions in alopecic skin (necrosis of the epidermal collar, inflammation of the feather pulp, and follicular keratosis) were mild. Some birds with alopecia had no detectable lesions in feather follicles from affected areas of skin. The highest tissue concentrations of selenium were in liver, kidney, and feathers, respectively. Mean hepatic tissue concentrations were 14.5 microg/g (10 ppm group), 29.6 microg/g (25 ppm group), 60.6 microg/g (60 ppm group), 13.0 microg/g (120 ppm split-feed group), and 2.0 microg/g (controls). Integumentary and hepatic lesions may be of value in corroborating a diagnosis of selenosis based on chemical analysis of tissues from naturally intoxicated waterfowl. Some birds with fatal selenosis may have no morphologic lesions other than emaciation.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedades de las Aves/inducido químicamente , Intoxicación/veterinaria , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenio/envenenamiento , Selenometionina/envenenamiento , Alopecia/inducido químicamente , Alimentación Animal , Animales , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Patos , Ingestión de Alimentos/efectos de los fármacos , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Plumas/efectos de los fármacos , Pie , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Selenio/sangre , Distribución TisularAsunto(s)
Cobalto/envenenamiento , Selenio/envenenamiento , Automedicación , Cobalto/administración & dosificación , Fertilizantes , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ácido Selénico , Selenio/administración & dosificación , Compuestos de Selenio/administración & dosificación , Compuestos de Selenio/envenenamientoRESUMEN
Acute gas poisoning is one of the most important medicosocial problems in the developing countries. An outbreak of acute inhalation exposure to hydrogen selenide occurred in Delhi, India. This report includes our findings on epidemiological, clinical and biochemical investigations in 31 cases hospitalized immediately after the gas poisoning.