Evaluation of electrolytes and blood glucose level in aluminum phosphide poisoning

Aluminum Phosphide or rice tablet is a solid fumigant pesticide widely used in the Iran especially in north of Iran as a grain preservative. Recent researches show dramatic increase in number of cases and deaths due to aluminum phosphide poisoning in Iran. The aim of this study is evaluation of electrolytes and blood glucose level in this poisoning as a prognostic factor. This is a case-control study. Forty-five patients with aluminum phosphide poisoning due to ingestion were studied in Loghman-Hakim hospital poisoning management center from 14 March 2006 to May 2007. Patients were divided to survived and non-survived groups and statistical comparisons were made in various parameters including demographic, electrolytes and blood glucose level. Between March 2006 and May 2007, 45 patients with aluminum phosphide poisoning of these 21(47%) were females and 24(53%) males. The mean ages of cases were 27.29 (+/-11.58) with a range of 14-62. Form all of the cases, 32 were died and 13 were alive. All of them were hospitalized in ICU. The route of exposure to aluminum phosphide was deliberate ingestion in all patients. The mean of Sodium and potassium level in non-survived were140.38 ± 1.1 and 3.95 ±0.14. And in survived were139.69 ± 4.9 and 3.86± 0.11. the mean of Bicarbonate level in non-survived was11.25 ± 0.9 and in survived was 12.3 ± 1.08. hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were seen in 17.79% and 4.4% respectively. Hypo and hypernaturemia were seen in 6.6% and 15.5% respectively. The mean of blood glucose level was 222.59 ± 20.18 mg/dL and 143.4 ± 13.7 mg/dL in survived and expired groups respectively. Two patients (4.4%) had hypoglycemia and 57.7% of patients had hyperglycemia. Aluminum phosphide can cause either elevation, decrease or no change in electrolytes, bicarbonate and blood glucose level. These factors may have a good role for assessment the severity of poisoning.