Symptoms of iron poisoning
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Symptoms of Iron Poisoning
Iron poisoning is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can result from the ingestion of excessive amounts of iron. This article synthesizes findings from multiple research studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the symptoms associated with iron poisoning.
Acute Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Nausea and Vomiting: One of the earliest and most common symptoms of iron poisoning is gastrointestinal distress, which includes nausea and vomiting. These symptoms typically appear within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion but can be delayed up to 24 hours depending on the solubility of the iron product ingested1 3 6.
Diarrhea: Alongside nausea and vomiting, diarrhea is another frequent symptom. This can lead to significant fluid loss and contribute to dehydration1 3.
Systemic Toxicity and Shock
Dehydration and Hypotension: The loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea can result in severe dehydration. This, in turn, can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) and shock, which are critical conditions requiring immediate medical intervention1 2 5.
Metabolic Acidosis: Iron poisoning can cause metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body produces excessive acid or the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body. This is often observed in severe cases and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly1 3 5.
Multi-Organ Failure
Hepatic and Renal Damage: Iron toxicity can lead to significant damage to the liver and kidneys. Hepatic failure is a severe consequence and has been reported in fatal cases of iron poisoning1 2 4.
Cardiogenic Shock: In some cases, iron poisoning can lead to cardiogenic shock, where the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. This is a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention6.
Neurological Symptoms
Mental Disorders and Coma: Severe iron poisoning can affect the central nervous system, leading to mental disorders and, in extreme cases, coma. These symptoms are indicative of severe systemic toxicity and require urgent medical care3 9.
Laboratory Findings and Diagnostic Indicators
Leukocytosis and Hyperglycemia: Elevated white blood cell counts (leukocytosis) and high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) are common laboratory findings in patients with iron poisoning. These indicators can help in diagnosing the severity of the condition2 10.
Serum Iron Levels: A serum iron concentration exceeding 300 µg/dL is a critical diagnostic marker for iron poisoning. Levels above 500 µg/dL are associated with severe symptoms such as coma and multi-organ failure8 10.
Conclusion
Iron poisoning presents with a range of symptoms that primarily affect the gastrointestinal system but can also lead to systemic toxicity, multi-organ failure, and severe neurological symptoms. Early recognition and prompt medical intervention are crucial in managing this condition and reducing morbidity and mortality.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Fibrous stricture of the stomach due to iron (feosol) poisoning; report of a case and brief review of the literature.
Iron poisoning in children often leads to fibrous strictures in the stomach, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, shock, and coma.
Case ReportAcute iron poisoning in adult female
High dose oral and parenteral iron therapy can cause acute iron poisoning in adult females, with symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to mitochondrial toxicity.
Case ReportIron poisoning
Iron poisoning occurs when the body absorbs excessive iron, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and mental disorders.
FERROUS SULFATE POISONING: A REVIEW, CASE SUMMARIES, AND THERAPEUTIC REGIMEN.
Acute iron poisoning can be successfully treated with peritoneal dialysis and calcium disodium EDTA, or recovered with chelation and supportive measures.
Case ReportAcute iron poisoning: management guidelines.
Early gut decontamination, desferrioxamine infusion, and aggressive management of shock and organ failure improve outcomes in acute iron poisoning.
Prevalence of symptoms in patients poisoned with iron in Ahvaz Razi Hospital in 2014-2017
Iron poisoning is prevalent in young age groups, with 96.2% suicides, and more research on psychological and social issues is crucial for preventative behaviors.
Observational StudyIngestion of Toxic Iron Dose With Benign Outcome
A 28-year-old female ingested a toxic dose of iron (88 mg/kg) but had minimal symptoms, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment decisions based on clinical presentation and laboratory values.
Case ReportA Young Adult with Unintentional Acute Parenteral Iron intoxication Treated with Oral Chelation: The Use of Liver Ferriscan.
Oral chelation with Liver Ferriscan effectively treated a young adult with unintentional acute parenteral iron intoxication, reducing symptoms and improving liver function.
Case ReportIron poisoning.
Prompt recognition and management of iron poisoning in children is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Assessment of acute iron poisoning by laboratory and clinical observations.
A serum iron concentration in excess of the total iron-binding capacity may not identify patients with serious iron poisoning, as coma is only associated with a serum iron concentration greater than 500 micrograms/dL.
Observational Study