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Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Acute Kidney Injury | Case report

Acute intravascular hemolysis due to naphthalene toxicity: a case report

Authors: A. A. A. Uthuman, C. S. Jayasinghe, A. H. N. Fernando

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Naphthalene (mothball) is a commonly used deodorizer in the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka. Though it is freely available around this country, poisoning has never been reported in the literature. Ingestion, either accidental or by deliberate self-harm, can occur due to its abundance as well as its candy-resembling appearance.

Case Presentation

A 33-year-old Sri Lankan woman presented to us 2 days after the self-ingestion of 15 naphthalene balls. She had features of intravascular hemolysis without features of pigment nephropathy or methemoglobinemia. She was symptomatically managed with blood transfusion and adequate hydration.

Conclusion

Naphthalene ingestion can lead to severe intravascular hemolysis as well as methemoglobinemia. The resultant pigment nephropathy may also lead to acute kidney injury.
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Metadata
Title
Acute intravascular hemolysis due to naphthalene toxicity: a case report
Authors
A. A. A. Uthuman
C. S. Jayasinghe
A. H. N. Fernando
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-018-1963-x

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