Changes in Some Hematology Parameters in poisoning with Rice Tablet (Aluminum Phosphide)

Abstract      Background and Objective: Aluminum Phosphide (ALP) is a solid non-organic phosphide with dark gray or dark yellow crystals. It reacts with stomach acid after ingestion and causes phosphine gas to be released. It is thought that phosphine causes toxicity from enzymatic interference and may even lead to cell death. This study aimed to investigate the effects of poisoning with rice tablet on levels of platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells.      Methods: The clinical records of 67 cases of acute oral toxicity with aluminum phosphide admitted to Baharloo hospital and 28 forensic autopsy cases in Kahrizak forensic research center were studied. Recorded information included vital signs, demographic characteristics, numerous laboratory and clinical findings, complications and all pathologic findings.       Results: All patients had received standard symptomatic and supportive treatments. Among the tested subjects, 30 of 67 patients (44.8%) were male. The mean hemoglobin level of recovered and deceased individuals was 12.26 and 11.72 g/dl, respectively. There was a significant relationship between patients’ WBC counts and mortality where the mean level of WBC in the deceased  was more than that of the recovered (P=0.001). Mean SBP in the deceased and the recovered individuals was 79.67 ± 12.89 and 102.46 ± 22.57 mmHg, respectively.       Conclusion: Consumption of rice tablets results in blood pressure alteration, hemoglobin levels, platelets and leukocyte count. Tracking these alterations can reduce the side effects and mortality rate in the cases of rice tablet poisoning.      Keywords: Aluminum Phosphide, White Blood Cells, Hemoglobins, Blood Pressure, Patients