Paraphenylenediamine (Kala Pathar) Poisoning at the National Poison Control Center in Karachi: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Suicide by self-poisoning is a common cause of death, especially in the younger population. More specifically, hair-dye poisoning is being increasingly used for suicide. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), also known as "Kala pathar", is a highly toxic ingredient present in hair-dye that can cause death. Therefore, this study is designed to assess the demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, and outcomes of PPD poisoning in patients admitted to the National Poison Control Center in Karachi, Pakistan. Materials and methodsWe conducted a prospective study for a period of six months at the National Poison Control Center, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of eight patients with PPD poisoning with no cardiac, liver, or renal co-morbidities were included in this study. The demographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory findings, mode of intoxication, and route of intoxication were noted in a proforma. Furthermore, hospitalization time, tracheostomy status, mechanical ventilation status, and mortality rates were also recorded. For continuous variables, the means and SDs were calculated. Whereas for categorical data, percentages were calculated.

Clinical Presentation, Complication and Outcome of Black Stone (Paraphenylene Diamine) Poisoning

“…[17] reported a peak incidence at 17-27 years, while Musa et al [18] reported the peak incidence between 21 and 30 years. This may be due to stress which increases at this age.…”

“…We found that majority of the patients 82 (47.1%) were in the age group 21-30 years. Elgamel AA et al [17] reported a peak incidence at 17-27 years, while Musa et al [18] reported the peak incidence between 21 and 30 years. This may be due to stress which increases at this age.…”

Paraphenylene diamine (Kala Pathar) poisoning in children of Bahawalpur and surrounding areas

“…3 It can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias leading to death within 6-24 hours, but even later during hospital stay. 2,4 Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, multi-organ failure follow the course during hospitalization of such cases. [1][2][3][4] Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest exists.…”

“…2,4 Rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, multi-organ failure follow the course during hospitalization of such cases. [1][2][3][4] Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest exists. Citation: Akram S, Khan MA, Rehman A, Qaisar I, Ijaz W, Khalid S. Paraphenylene diamine (Kala Pathar) poisoning in children of Bahawalpur and surrounding areas.…”

“…DOI: https://doi.org/10.37018/GWSC7226 PPD is a toxic substance in the form of white crystals which turn brown after exposure to air. 4 It is manufactured in United Kingdom, Japan and Germany. 4 The ingestion of this toxic compound is either suicidal or accidental in majority of cases, but homicidal intentions have also been reported.…”