A systematic review of aluminium phosphide poisoning

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#aluminum-compounds #humans #pesticides #phosphines

A systematic review of aluminium phosphide poisoning

Mehrpour et al., 2012 | Arh Hig Rada Toksikol | Systematic Review

Citation

Mehrpour Omid, Jafarzadeh Mostafa, Abdollahi Mohammad. A systematic review of aluminium phosphide poisoning. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2012-Mar;63(1):61-73. doi:10.2478/10004-1254-63-2012-2182

Abstract

Every year, about 300,000 people die because of pesticide poisoning worldwide. The most common pesticide agents are organophosphates and phosphides, aluminium phosphide (AlP) in particular. AlP is known as a suicide poison that can easily be bought and has no effective antidote. Its toxicity results from the release of phosphine gas as the tablet gets into contact with moisture. Phosphine gas primarily affects the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Poisoning signs and symptoms include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, abdominal pain, palpitation, refractory shock, cardiac arrhythmias, pulmonary oedema, dyspnoea, cyanosis, and sensory alterations. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, positive silver nitrate paper test to phosphine, and gastric aspirate and viscera biochemistry. Treatment includes early gastric lavage with potassium permanganate or a combination with coconut oil and sodium bicarbonate, administration of charcoal, and palliative care. Specific therapy includes intravenous magnesium sulphate and oral coconut oil. Moreover, acidosis can be treated with early intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate, cardiogenic shock with fluid, vasopresor, and refractory cardiogenic shock with intra-aortic baloon pump or digoxin. Trimetazidine may also have a useful role in the treatment, because it can stop ventricular ectopic beats and bigeminy and preserve oxidative metabolism. This article reviews the epidemiological, toxicological, and clinical/pathological aspects of AlP poisoning and its management.

Key Findings

This article reviews the epidemiological, toxicological, and clinical/pathological aspects of AlP poisoning and its management.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 300000
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aluminum Compounds
  • Humans
  • Pesticides
  • Phosphines

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09