Citation

Kamijo Y, Soma K, Asari Y, Ohwada T. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 2000; 38(1): 59-62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Marcel Dekker)

DOI

10.1081/clt-100100918

PMID

10696927

Abstract

A suicide attempt by a 23-year-old woman involved ingestion of 1000 mL of petroleum naphtha. Early chemical pneumonitis was complicated by life-threatening, diffuse interstitial lung consolidation with pneumatoceles. Pulse steroid therapy beginning on day 17 was associated with remarkable resolution of interstitial consolidation, although an enlarging secondarily infected pneumatocele ruptured to produce a bronchopleural fistula. Thoracic surgery and antibiotic therapy resulted in improvement of the patient's respiratory condition, and she was discharged with no residual respiratory symptoms. High-dose corticosteroid therapy appears to be a useful addition to aggressive supportive treatment in late adult respiratory distress syndrome following hydrocarbon ingestion.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Alkanes/*toxicity; Female; Humans; Hydrocortisone/*administration & dosage; Infusions, Intravenous; Petroleum/*toxicity; Pneumonia/chemically induced/drug therapy; Prednisolone/*administration & dosage; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/*chemically induced/*drug therapy