Acute arsenic poisoning: absence of polyneuropathy after treatment with 2, 3-dimercaptopropanesulphonate (DMPS). Issue 9 (September 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, D F; O'Callaghan, C A; Berlyne, G; Ogg, C S; Davies, H A; House, I M; Henry, J A
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 57:Issue 9(1994)
• Page Start: 1133
• Page End: 1135
• Publication Date: 1994-09
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.57.9.1133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Two men aged 19 and 21 years ingested 1 g and 4 g respectively from 3 kg of a white crystalline powder that they thought was a substance of abuse. It was later identified as almost pure arsenic trioxide. Both had nausea and vomiting and one developed acute renal failure. Each was treated with 2, 3-dimercaptopropanesulphonate (DMPS), and made a full recovery with no evidence of prolonged renal or neurological impairment. The DMPS-arsenic complex is probably associated with lower penetration into the CNS and as a consequence treatment with DMPS may result in lower acute and chronic neurotoxicity than treatment with the currently standard recommended chelating agent dimercaprol (British Anti-Lewisite; BAL).