3 Cases of acute methlybromide intoxication

Lee, Jae Hong; Lee, Myeung Su; Ahn, Seon Ho; Seo, Geom Seog; Kim, Hak Ryul; Choi, Suck Chei; Song, Ju Hung; Nah, Yong Ho

Abstract

Methylbromide has been widely used of recent years in fire extinguishers for ships and aircraft and in refrigeration plants. because it exists as a gas at ordinary temperatures, most exposures occur by inhalation and absorption through the skin. The principal manifestations in acute poisoning depend on amount ingested or the concentration inhaled or absorbed. If the amount is large or concentration high, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, weakness, drowsiness, hypotention, coma, convulsion and pulmonary edema may occur after a latent period of up to 12 hour. After exposure to lower concentrations, symtoms are less severe and may be delayed twelve to twenty-four hours. We experienced 3 cases of acute methylbromide intoxication after inhalation. Of them, 2 patients with coma and convulsion were managed by mechanical ventilatior, anticonvulsant, hemodialysis and BAL, but they expired on 4th, 5th hospital day. We report them with review of literature.