Clinical and pathological findings on intoxication by yellow phosphorus after ingesting firework cracker: A rare case of autopsy

Türkmen şamdanci E., Çakir E., Şahin N., Elmali C., Sayin S.

Turk Patoloji Dergisi, cilt.32, sa.1, ss.51-53, 2016 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 32 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2016
  • Doi Numarası: 10.5146/tjpath.2013.01196
  • Dergi Adı: Turk Patoloji Dergisi
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.51-53
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Autopsy, Fatty liver, Hepatic failure, Phosphorus
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

© 2016, Federation of Turkish Pathology Societies. All rights reserved.Yellow phosphorus is a toxic substance used in the production of firework cracker, fireworks, ammunition and agricultural dung. When ingested, it shows its effects mainly in the liver, the kidneys, and the brain. A four-year-old girl had died as a result of acute hepatic failure caused by ingesting a firework cracker. The case showed high levels of hepatic enzymes, along with non-specific signs such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Autopsy revealed diffuse microvesicular steatosis in the liver and disseminated degeneration in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. In cases with concomitant hepatorenal failure and cardiovascular collapse, death is inevitable. However, when only hepatic failure develops, hepatic transplantation may be lifesaving. Although intoxication from ingesting yellow phosphorus has a very high rate of mortality, forensic cases are extremely rare in the literature.