A Fatal Case of Yellow Phosphorus Poisoning with Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

Abstract

Yellow phosphorus (YP), is a commonly used rodenticide paste in India. It is a powerful protoplasmic poison leading to acute fulminant hepatic failure, and has 100 % mortality in patients with delayed presentation. We report a case of a 23 year old man, who presented within 24 hours of consumption of 3% YP with the intent of deliberate self harm. He had a fatal course complicated by refractory cardiogenic shock and multi - organ dysfunction syndrome. Prevention strategies including public awareness of toxicity and restriction of sales of this compound are required on an emergent basis.