SUICIDAL CORROSIVE INGESTION: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Chaitanya Vidyadhar Tingne*, Dr. Manish Baburao Shrigiriwar** and Dr. Pradeep Gangadhar Dixit

ABSTRACT

Suicidal consumption of corrosives is infrequently reported. Though pesticides are the most common poison consumed to commit suicide, the mortality rate due to corrosives is significantly high. A case of suicidal consumption of sulphuric acid is being reported where a debt ridden worker engaged in polishing metals at a goldsmith had consumed 250-300 ml concentrated sulphuric acid and died following perforation peritonitis. Prognosis of such cases depends upon the amount of acid consumed, concentration of the acid and the rapidity with which the treatment is provided. A multidisciplinary approach involving the emergency medical and the surgical staff is essential to reduce the mortality and morbidity caused by ingestion of corrosive poisons.

Keywords: Sulphuric acid consumption, suicide, corrosion, peritonitis.