Naphthalene Poisoning following Ingestion of Mothballs: A Case Report

J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Aug;9(8):UD01-2. doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/15503.6274. Epub 2015 Aug 1.

Abstract

Naphthalene is a widely used industrial and household chemical in the form of mothballs. But it has rarely been an agent of poisoning worldwide. We describe a case of ingestional naphthalene poisoning with a good outcome after proper management. A 29-year-old girl ingested 8 mothballs, and presented two days later with haemolysis and methaemoglobinaemia. She was given intravenous methylene blue, N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid, besides supportive treatment. Renal replacement therapy in the form of SLED of 8 hours was done on a daily basis. She was discharged after ten days on twice a week outpatient follow-up haemodialysis.

Keywords: Ascorbic acid; Hemolysis; Methemoglobinemia; Methylene blue; N-acetylcysteine; Renal replacement therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports