Toxicology International (Formerly Indian Journal of Toxicology)

Vivek Chauhan , Rajesh Sharma , Kailashnath Sharma , Gurudutt Sharma , Sandhu Jitender , Vaneet Jearth

Abstract

Reddish black discoloration of urine in absence of red blood cells (RBCs) can be a manifestation of hemoglobinuria or myoglobinuria. We report a patient who was admitted for persistent vomiting. On 2nd day of admission, his urine turned reddish black. The patient then revealed that he had ingested mothballs 1 day back to commit suicide. The patient was managed conservatively with intravenous (IV) fluids and antiemetics. Mothballs are rarely reported as a suicidal agent and most cases are related to accidental exposure of children while playing. IV hemolysis is also reported with mothball ingestion. Our patient quickly became normal within 24 h and there was no residual organ damage.

Keywords

Hepatic failure, IV hemolysis, mothball, myoglobinuira, methemoglobinemia, renal failure, suicide

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