Iron poisoning is characterised by both local gastrointestinal and dose-related systemic toxicity. Toxicity is determined by the quantity of elemental iron ingested. Most acute overdoses produce minor or moderate gastrointestinal effects only. In large overdoses, systemic toxicity can be prevented by early gastrointestinal decontamination and/or administration of desferrioxamine.
References
- Chyka PA, Butler AY. Assessment of acute iron poisoning by laboratory and clinical observations. American Journal of Emergency Medicine 1993: 11(2):99-103.
- Pearn J, Nixon J, Ansford A, et al. Accidental poisoning in childhood: five year urban population study with 15 year analysis of fatality. British Medical Journal 1984; 288:44-46.
- Singhi SC, Baranwal AK, Jayashree M. Acute iron poisoning: Clinical picture, intensive care needs and outcome. Indian Pediatrics 2003: 40(12):1177-1182.
- Tenenbein M. Benefits of parenteral deferoxamine for acute iron poisoning. Journal of Toxicology – Clinical Toxicology 1996; 34(5):485-489.
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