Acute Iron Poisoning: A Case of Fulminant Hepatic Failure

Authors

  • Maria Bourbon Ruão Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Emergency. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António. Porto.
  • Inês Pestana Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Emergency. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António. Porto.
  • Rita Passos Department of Critical Care Medicine. Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Minho. Viana do Castelo.
  • Júlia Raquel Monte Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Emergency. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António. Porto.
  • Aníbal Marinho Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine and Emergency. Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António. Porto.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.21071

Keywords:

Drug Overdose/complications, Ferrous Compounds/poisoning, Liver Failure, Acute/chemically induced

Abstract

Acute iron poisoning is an exceedingly rare occurrence, mainly when resulting from intentional ingestion in adults. It can lead to multi-organ toxicity and, in severe cases, may evolve into acute liver failure and cardiovascular collapse, which are the main causes of death. The clinical outcome is largely dependent on the amount of elemental iron ingested and the readiness of treatment, which includes support, early intestinal decontamination and deferoxamine. Despite timely intervention, acute liver failure can be life-threatening, with liver transplantation being the only potentially life-saving measure. In this case report, we describe a case of severe acute iron poisoning due to intentional ingestion that led to fulminant liver failure, which was successfully managed with liver transplantation.

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References

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Published

2024-06-03

How to Cite

1.
Bourbon Ruão M, Pestana I, Passos R, Monte JR, Marinho A. Acute Iron Poisoning: A Case of Fulminant Hepatic Failure. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2024 Jun. 3 [cited 2025 Mar. 29];37(6):470-2. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/21071

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Section

Case Report