Top

Journal of Medical Case Reports

Published in:

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Intoxication | Case report

Multiorgan failure and death from a mixed Dettol and Clorox poisoning: a case report

Authors: David Olukolade Alao, Kinza Moin, Snaha Abraham

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Dettol and sodium hypochlorite have wide use as household disinfectants and cleaners. Intentional and nonintentional ingestion are widespread, mainly causing mild symptoms that require no specific treatment. However, severe complications can occur when large volumes are ingested. Both products affect the same organ systems in the body, which can result in fatalities when ingested together.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 26-year-old Asian man who died from multiorgan failure after deliberately ingesting a presumed large volume of Dettol and sodium hypochlorite. The case illustrates the severe complications that can occur with mixed ingestion of these commonly used household products.

Conclusion

Clinicians must be aware of the increased risk of death caused by the combined ingestion of chloroxylenol and sodium hypochlorite.

Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Beuhler MC, Spyker DA, Bronstein AC, Rivers LJ, Pham NPT, Weber J. 2020 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 38th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021;59(12):1282–501. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2021.1989785. (PMID: 34890263).CrossRefPubMed

Chan TY, Lau MS, Critchley JA. Serious complications associated with Dettol poisoning. Q J Med. 1993;86(11):735–8 (PMID: 8265774).PubMed

Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Spyker DA, Brooks DE, Osterthaler KM, Banner W. 2017 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 35th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2018;56(12):1213–415. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2018.1533727. (Epub 2018 Dec 21 PMID: 30576252).CrossRefPubMed

Slaughter RJ, Watts M, Vale JA, Grieve JR, Schep LJ. The clinical toxicology of sodium hypochlorite. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2019;57(5):303–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2018.1543889. (Epub 2019 Jan 28 PMID: 30689457).CrossRefPubMed

Racioppi F, Daskaleros PA, Besbelli N, Borges A, Deraemaeker C, Magalini SI, Martinez Arrieta R, Pulce C, Ruggerone ML, Vlachos P. Household bleaches based on sodium hypochlorite: review of acute toxicology and poison control centre experience. Food Chem Toxicol. 1994;32(9):845–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/0278-6915(94)90162-7. (PMID: 7927083).CrossRefPubMed

Chan TY, Sung JJ, Critchley JA. Chemical gastro-oesophagitis, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and gastroscopic findings following Dettol poisoning. Hum Exp Toxicol. 1995;14(1):18–9. https://doi.org/10.1177/096032719501400104. (PMID: 7748610).CrossRefPubMed

Lam PK, Chan CK, Tse ML, Lau FL. Dettol poisoning and the need for airway intervention. Hong Kong Med J. 2012;18(4):270–5 (PMID: 22865169).PubMed

Chan TY, Critchley JA. Is chloroxylenol nephrotoxic like phenol? A study of patients with DETTOL poisoning. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1994;36(3):250–1 (PMID: 8066978).PubMed

Harley EH, Collins MD. Liquid household bleach ingestion in children: a retrospective review. Laryngoscope. 1997;107(1):122–5. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005537-199701000-00023. (PMID: 9001276).CrossRefPubMed

10.

Hilbert G, Bédry R, Cardinaud JP, Benissan GG. Euro bleach: fatal hypernatremia due to 13.3% sodium hypochlorite. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1997;35(6):635–6. https://doi.org/10.3109/15563659709001245. (PMID: 9365432).CrossRefPubMed

11.

Babl FE, Kharsch S, Woolf A. Airway edema following household bleach ingestion. Am J Emerg Med. 1998;16(5):514–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0735-6757(98)90006-7. (PMID: 9725970).CrossRefPubMed

12.

Ramasamy K, Gumaste VV. Corrosive ingestion in adults. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2003;37(2):119–24. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004836-200308000-00005. (PMID: 12869880).CrossRefPubMed

13.

Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Spyker DA, Brooks DE, Fraser MO, Banner W. 2016 Annual Report of the American Association of Poison Control Centers’ National Poison Data System (NPDS): 34th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2017;55(10):1072–252. https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2017.1388087. (Epub 2017 Nov 29. Erratum in: Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2017 Dec;55(10):1256. PMID: 29185815).CrossRefPubMed

Title: Multiorgan failure and death from a mixed Dettol and Clorox poisoning: a case report
Authors: David Olukolade Alao
Kinza Moin
Snaha Abraham
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Intoxication
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-023-03825-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Multiorgan failure and death from a mixed Dettol and Clorox poisoning: a case report

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusion

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 1/2023

Endoscopic stent placement for the management of gastro-pleural and gastro-cutaneous fistula post laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case report

Cutaneous metastasis as a first presentation of lung carcinoma: a case series

IgM extramedullary plasmacytoma

Necrobiosis lipoidica of the breast associated with Crohn’s disease: a case report

Knee valgus and patellofemoral instability after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a case report and review of the literature

Chronic myeloid leukemia with sleep-related painful erections as a first symptom: a case report