Naphthalene poisoning manifesting as hemoglobinuria

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.

Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant levels in Anabas testudineus (Bloch) under naphthalene (PAH) stress

“…Few notable works on PAHs contamination have been carried out in soils of Guwahati, Assam (Das et al, 2016) and in Bharalu tributary of the Brahmaputra River (Hussain et al, 2014). Various other cases of naphthalene ingestion have been reported in India (Annamalai et al, 2012; Chauhan et al, 2014; Kundra et al, 2015). A very recent work done by Panda and Mahanta (2020) detected the type and concentration of PAHs in Mahanadi Estuary at Paradeep, Odisha.…”

“…Various other cases of naphthalene ingestion have been reported in India (Annamalai et al, 2012;Chauhan et al, 2014;Kundra et al, 2015). A very recent work done by Panda and Mahanta (2020) detected the type and concentration of PAHs in Mahanadi Estuary at Paradeep, Odisha.…”

Death from Naphthalene Poisoning Manifesting as Toxic Hepatitis: An Autopsy Case

“…Hemolysis usually appears clinically at 24-48-hour post-exposure [1]. However, a case of an 18-year-old boy with hemoglobinuria occurring 16 hours after naphthalene ingestion has been reported [5]. The interval between hemolytic anemia and naphthalene ingestion can vary depending on the capacity of cytochrome P-450 in the liver, presence of G6PD deficiency, and tolerance to oxidative stress.…”

“…Per the literature, some patients who went to the hospital after naphthalene ingestion have survived through proper conservative therapy [4][5][6]. Therefore, death by naphthalene poisoning is uncommon.…”

“…Acute symptoms of naphthalene poisoning include headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Naphthalene poisoning typically induces prolonged hemolytic anemia and hemoglobinuria [4][5][6]. In literature, case reports of death following naphthalene poisoning are uncommon.…”