Thallium in Rodenticide: Banned or Not? Two Case Reports
January 2023
in “
Indian Journal of Forensic and Community Medicine
”
Studysummary This report describes two cases of thallium poisoning with gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral neuropathy, and alopecia, which were effectively treated using activated charcoal, potassium chloride, and hemodialysis.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This document reports two cases of thallium poisoning in a mother and daughter who consumed thallium-contaminated wheat flour. Both patients exhibited symptoms typical of thallium toxicity, including gastrointestinal issues, peripheral neuropathy, and alopecia. Thallium levels in their blood and urine were significantly elevated. Treatment involved activated charcoal, potassium chloride, and six cycles of hemodialysis, which successfully reduced thallium levels and improved symptoms. The study highlights the ongoing illegal use of thallium as a rodenticide and the effectiveness of hemodialysis in treating thallium poisoning.
