The Jain family unknowingly inhaled Aluminium Phosphide fumes the morning after pest control was conducted in their home. Siddharth*, who had been unwell for a few days before exposure, suffered the most
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock
In a remarkable medical feat, a Mumbai Central-based hospital has successfully treated a rare and critical case of aluminium phosphide poisoning, which has an almost 100 per cent fatality rate.
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A 16-year-old boy, Siddharth*, along with his parents, were exposed to toxic fumes after home pesticide treatment. Due to severe inhalation, Siddharth's* condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to multi-organ failure.
However, with the prompt intervention of a multidisciplinary medical team at Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai Central, he was stabilised using advanced life support systems.
The Jain family unknowingly inhaled Aluminium Phosphide fumes the morning after pest control was conducted in their home. Siddharth*, who had been unwell for a few days before exposure, suffered the most. The boy's heart’s pumping capacity dropped to a critical 5-10 per cent, and his blood pressure was not recordable.
Excessive acid buildup in his body further worsened his condition, while his kidneys, lungs, and liver also started failing.
Recognising the urgency, the medical team at the hospital swiftly put Siddharth* on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) and IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump)—advanced life support systems that aid the heart and lungs. The boy's kidneys failed, requiring CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy), a specialised dialysis treatment.
After 15 days of continuous life support, Siddharth’s* heart started recovering, and doctors were able to gradually wean him off ECMO and IABP. The lungs and liver have fully healed, and his kidneys are recovering without the need for further dialysis.
The patient's father also suffered severe cardiac complications, with his heart’s pumping capacity dropping to 20 per cent. However, with timely intervention, he stabilised and was discharged after 6-7 days, with his heart function now normal. The boy's mother experienced only mild symptoms with minimal heart involvement.
Dr Yogesh Jain, consultant physician at the hospital highlighted the need for public awareness: "People must be educated about the risks associated with home pesticide treatments. Poisoning from Aluminium Phosphide can be fatal, and quick access to advanced medical care can be the difference between life and death.”
Dr Charudatt Vaity, director – critical care at the hospital emphasised the severity of the case, stating, "Aluminium Phosphide poisoning is extremely fatal, and survival is rare. The patient was in cardiogenic shock with multi-organ failure, but with rapid ECMO and IABP support, along with a dedicated critical care approach, we were able to pull him through. This case highlights the significance of quick medical intervention and multidisciplinary teamwork."
Dr Nikesh Jain, consultant interventional cardiologist, at the hospital said, "Siddharth* was in a life-threatening cardiac condition, with his heart’s pumping at just 5-10 per cent. We implemented ECMO and IABP support at the right time, which played a crucial role in his survival. His recovery has been nothing short of extraordinary."
Part of the same team, Dr Chandan Chaudhari, consultant nephrologist shared insights on kidney involvement, "The patient’s kidneys had completely shut down, requiring CRRT, a highly specialised form of dialysis. Over time, with aggressive treatment and support, his kidneys have started recovering with good urine output without need of diuretics and not required dialysis for more than one week."
*Name changed
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