The first reported mortality from aluminum phosphide poisoning in Lebanon: a case report
Dublin Core
Title
The first reported mortality from aluminum phosphide poisoning in Lebanon: a case report
Subject
Aluminum phosphide, Insecticide, Intentional poisoning, Mortality, Emergency department
Description
Background Aluminum phosphide is a commonly used pesticide, particularly in developing countries where uncon-
trolled insecticides and pesticides are commonly prevalent. Mortalities have been reported due to accidental
and suicidal exposures to aluminum phosphide. To date, there has been no reported mortality case of aluminum
phosphide in Lebanon. In addition, there is no specific antidote for aluminum phosphide toxicity and the treatment
is mainly supportive. This is why awareness should be spread about this case to include it in the differential diagnoses
and enhance prompt management and response in future encounters.
Case presentation A previously healthy 37-year-old male, presented to the emergency department of Notre
Dame des Secours University Hospital Center for a suicidal attempt after ingesting 5 tablets of pesticide containing
56% aluminum phosphide an hour prior to presentation. Shortly after the presentation, the patient began dete-
riorating and became clinically unstable. The patient was then intubated and was started on sodium bicarbonate
along with aggressive fluid resuscitation. The patient remained hypotensive even after giving vasopressors. He
was then later admitted to the intensive care unit for further management. However, the patient further decom-
pensated and developed multiorgan failure. This is the first case of mortality in Lebanon from aluminum phosphide
toxicity.
Conclusions Emergency physicians should include aluminum phosphide toxicity in the differential diagnosis
when dealing with patients ingesting unknown pesticides especially when they smell the characteristic garlic-like
odor. The toxicity from ALP leads to multiorgan failure and death rapidly. Thus, it is of utmost importance to start early,
and aggressive resuscitation given that there is no specific antidote.
Keywords Aluminum phosphide, Insecticide, Intentional poisoning, Mortality, Emergency department
trolled insecticides and pesticides are commonly prevalent. Mortalities have been reported due to accidental
and suicidal exposures to aluminum phosphide. To date, there has been no reported mortality case of aluminum
phosphide in Lebanon. In addition, there is no specific antidote for aluminum phosphide toxicity and the treatment
is mainly supportive. This is why awareness should be spread about this case to include it in the differential diagnoses
and enhance prompt management and response in future encounters.
Case presentation A previously healthy 37-year-old male, presented to the emergency department of Notre
Dame des Secours University Hospital Center for a suicidal attempt after ingesting 5 tablets of pesticide containing
56% aluminum phosphide an hour prior to presentation. Shortly after the presentation, the patient began dete-
riorating and became clinically unstable. The patient was then intubated and was started on sodium bicarbonate
along with aggressive fluid resuscitation. The patient remained hypotensive even after giving vasopressors. He
was then later admitted to the intensive care unit for further management. However, the patient further decom-
pensated and developed multiorgan failure. This is the first case of mortality in Lebanon from aluminum phosphide
toxicity.
Conclusions Emergency physicians should include aluminum phosphide toxicity in the differential diagnosis
when dealing with patients ingesting unknown pesticides especially when they smell the characteristic garlic-like
odor. The toxicity from ALP leads to multiorgan failure and death rapidly. Thus, it is of utmost importance to start early,
and aggressive resuscitation given that there is no specific antidote.
Keywords Aluminum phosphide, Insecticide, Intentional poisoning, Mortality, Emergency department
Creator
Pierre Edde1
, Anthony El Kortbawi1
, Zeina Halabi2
, Nancy Sakr1
, Alondra Barakat2 and Tharwat El Zahran2*
, Anthony El Kortbawi1
, Zeina Halabi2
, Nancy Sakr1
, Alondra Barakat2 and Tharwat El Zahran2*
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-024-00591-8
Date
2024
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Pierre Edde1
, Anthony El Kortbawi1
, Zeina Halabi2
, Nancy Sakr1
, Alondra Barakat2 and Tharwat El Zahran2*, “The first reported mortality from aluminum phosphide poisoning in Lebanon: a case report,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12269.