Multi-center retrospective evaluation of carbonyl iron ingestions

Vet Hum Toxicol. 2002 Feb;44(1):28-9.

Abstract

There is limited published data concerning carbonyl iron ingestion and no data on overdose. A retrospective chart review of all patients with carbonyl iron ingestion reported to 5 regional poison information centers from January 1998 to April 2000 was done. Thirty-three patients with carbonyl iron ingestion were reported. Twenty-seven patients (82%) were managed without referral to a health care facility. The mean and median age of these patients was 3years and 20 months, respectively. The mean dose ingested was 11.2 mg/kg (range of 2.2 to 34.5 mg/kg) with no effects noted. Six patients evaluated in the emergency ingested a mean of 34 mg/kg (range of 12 to 72 mg/kg). The mean peak serum iron concentrations in 4/6 were 82 microg/dL (range of 36 to 177 microg/dL). One child with a history of flu-like symptoms reported diarrhea, fever and lethargy and had a serum iron concentration of 36 microg/dL; symptoms were believed unrelated to the exposure. In this limited first case series of iron carbonyl ingestion, serious toxicity did not occur.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron / blood*
  • Iron Carbonyl Compounds
  • Male
  • Multicenter Studies as Topic
  • Organometallic Compounds / poisoning*
  • Poison Control Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Iron Carbonyl Compounds
  • Iron