Treatment of severe thallium intoxication

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1997;35(1):97-100. doi: 10.3109/15563659709001173.

Abstract

We report a successfully treated case of severe thallium intoxication. In spite of very high serum thallium (5,240 micrograms/L), symptomatology was minor and recovery complete. Prussian Blue was administered, diuresis was enhanced by intravenous fluids and a prolonged hemodialysis was started early. High blood flows (300 mL/min) and intravenous potassium chloride supplements, to mobilize thallium from the tissues, resulted in good clearances (96 to 150 mL/min). In order to prevent the well known complications, we recommend aggressive treatment of severe thallium intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidotes / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Ferrocyanides / therapeutic use*
  • Gastric Lavage
  • Humans
  • Poisoning / therapy*
  • Potassium Chloride / administration & dosage
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Suicide, Attempted*
  • Thallium / blood
  • Thallium / poisoning*
  • Thallium / urine

Substances

  • Antidotes
  • Ferrocyanides
  • Potassium Chloride
  • Thallium
  • ferric ferrocyanide