Fulminant Hepatic Failure Following Intentional Iron Overdose-A Case Report.

Intentional iron overdose in adults is a rare but serious medical condition that poses significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. A recent case study illustrates the complexities of managing such cases, particularly when patients present late and attempt to conceal their history of ingestion. A 21-year-old male patient presented to the hospital four days after consuming large quantities of ferrous sulfate tablets, but his initial symptoms were nonspecific and did not immediately suggest iron poisoning. Despite the delayed presentation, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, with symptoms progressing to severe jaundice, encephalopathy, and coagulopathy. The patient's denial of suicidal ingestion further complicated the diagnosis, and it was not until later that iron toxicity was identified. By this time, the window for early intervention, including decontamination or parenteral chelation, had passed. As a result, the treatment team had to rely on supportive care to manage the patient's condition. This included the use of advanced extracorporeal therapies, which helped facilitate recovery of the patient's hepatic and renal function. The case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion for iron poisoning, particularly in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms. It also underscores the need for thorough history taking and the potential role of salvage therapies in managing severe cases of iron poisoning, even when presentation is delayed. The successful use of supportive care and advanced therapies in this case serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of aggressive and innovative treatment approaches in cases of severe iron poisoning. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40308484/