A Case of Intoxication of Ingested Formalin.
- Author:
Seon Hee BAEK
1
;
Kyung Hwan KIM
;
Jun Seok PARK
;
Dong Wun SHIN
;
Jun Young ROH
;
Kyoung Mi LEE
;
Ah Jin KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea. emjin23@paik.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Formaldehyde;
Toxicity;
Poisoning
- MeSH:
Acidosis;
Adult;
Central Nervous System;
Deodorants;
Eating;
Embalming;
Female;
Formaldehyde;
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage;
Gastrointestinal Tract;
Humans;
Renal Dialysis;
Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult;
Seizures;
Unconsciousness
- From:Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
2009;7(1):38-40
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Formalin is a water-soluble, colorless, pungent, irritating and highly reactive gas. A 40% solution of formaldehyde in water, also known as formalin, is used as a disinfectant, antiseptic, deodorant, tissue fixative and embalming fluid. Ingestion can lead to immediate deleterious effects on almost all systems of the body including gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, cardiovsacular system and hepato-renal system, causing gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cardiovsacular collapse, unconsciousness or convulsions, severe metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We treated a 39-year-old woman who ingested 300 ml formalin in a suicidal attempt. Despite hemodialysis, death occurred after 23 h.
