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BMJ Case Rep. 2010; 2010: bcr0120102603.
Published online 2010 July 15. doi:  10.1136/bcr.01.2010.2603
PMCID: PMC3028453
Novel treatment (new drug/intervention; established drug/procedure in new situation)
Hydroxocobalamin treatment of acute cyanide poisoning with a jewellery-cleaning solution
Luís Coentrão,1,2 Aida Neves,3 and Daniel Moura1
1Institute of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Porto and Hospital de S. João EPE, Porto, Portugal
2Nephrology Research and Development Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto and Hospital de S. João EPE, Porto, Portugal
3Intensive Care Department, Hospital de S. João EPE, Porto, Portugal
Correspondence to Luís Coentrão, coentrao/at/med.up.pt
Summary
Acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion is often severe and lethal among jewellery industry workers. Clinical experience with hydroxocobalamin alone in severe acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion remains limited. This case concerns a 50-year-old goldsmith who tried suicide by ingestion of a jewellery cleaner solution containing approximately 1.2 g of potassium cyanide. He presented unconsciousness, with severe lactic acidosis and arteriolisation of venous blood gases. Following hydroxocobalamin treatment, neurologic and metabolic disorders rapidly improved. He was discharged home 4 days later, without neurological sequelae. The case reinforces the safety and effectiveness of hydroxocobalamin in acute cyanide poisoning by ingestion.
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