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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Case report

Hydrogen sulphide inhalational toxicity at a petroleum refinery in Sri Lanka: a case series of seven survivors following an industrial accident and a brief review of medical literature

Authors: Mitrakrishnan Chrishan Shivanthan, Harshani Perera, Saroj Jayasinghe, Panduka Karunanayake, Thashi Chang, Sujatha Ruwanpathirana, Nilwala Jayasinghe, Yamini De Silva, Dinushka Jayaweerabandara

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

This case series details clinical observations in 7 survivors of accidental hydrogen sulphide inhalation toxicity at a petroleum refinery in Sri Lanka. One survivor developed status epilepticus and severe neurotoxicity whilst another survivor developed delayed respiratory failure; both patients required intensive care management. One victim manifested mild bronchospasms in the immediate post-exposure period and another developed mild perioral numbness 2 days following the exposure. A brief literature review explores the manifestations, pathophysiology and available modalities of treatment of hydrogen sulphide inhalation toxicity.

Background

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas. Accidental deaths following H2S exposure is a known hazard amongst petroleum workers exposed to by-products of refineries. Toxicity results mainly due to cellular respiratory poisoning which impairs oxidative phosphorylation. The heart, brain and the lungs are the organs most commonly affected in H2S inhalational toxicity leading to varied clinical presentations.
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Metadata
Title
Hydrogen sulphide inhalational toxicity at a petroleum refinery in Sri Lanka: a case series of seven survivors following an industrial accident and a brief review of medical literature
Authors
Mitrakrishnan Chrishan Shivanthan
Harshani Perera
Saroj Jayasinghe
Panduka Karunanayake
Thashi Chang
Sujatha Ruwanpathirana
Nilwala Jayasinghe
Yamini De Silva
Dinushka Jayaweerabandara
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-8-9

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