Zinc phosphide poisoning in pediatric patients from a Toxicology Center at Mexico City

Abstract

Background: Zinc phosphide is a chemical compound that is frequently used as a rodenticide; it is a highly toxic product that is widely used, among other spaces, at home. Given that it is a highly commercialized pesticide and that there is no antidote, it is mandatory to establish favorably the clinical manifestations of the intoxication. The aim was to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of children intoxicated with zinc phosphide attended in a toxicological center of a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective and observational study based on the medical records of 36 pediatric patients attended from 2005 to 2015 at the Centro de Información y Atención Toxicológica from Hospital General “Dr. Gaudencio González Garza”, which belongs to the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. 

Results: The study didn’t show a prevalence of gender; 66% of patients were children between ages 1 and 2. 96% of patients were healthy and three adolescents used the product with suicidal purposes. Zinc phosphide exposure occurred at home. Toxicity was characterized by hypotension, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting; none of the patients died. In addition, neither required mechanical ventilation nor hemodialysis. 

Conclusion: The lack of knowledge of the potential toxicity of zinc phosphide and the fact that is easily reached at home allow the exposure to this product; it is an absolutely preventable risk.