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  • Severe haemolytic anaemia due to ingestion of naphthalene (mothball) containing coconut oil.

Severe haemolytic anaemia due to ingestion of naphthalene (mothball) containing coconut oil.

Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP (2012-11-14)
Md Mujibur Rahman, Syed Ghulam Mogni Mowla, Abdur Rahim, Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, Sharmin Jahan, Mohammad Nazmul Hasan
ABSTRACT

Naphthalene, a widely used industrial and household chemical, has rarely been an agent of poisoning worldwide. Severe haemolysis from naphthalene poisoning is rare and can be a challenge to clinicians. We report a 22-year-old female, who accidentally ingested naphthalene mixed coconut oil and got admitted with recurrent vomiting, headache and passage of dark urine. Severe intravascular haemolysis with hypotension and neutrophilic leukocytosis was detected. She was treated with red blood cell transfusions, intravenous saline infusion and ascorbic acid.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Supelco
Naphthalene solution, certified reference material, 5000 μg/mL in methanol
Sigma-Aldrich
Coconut oil from Cocos nucifera, low-melting solid
Sigma-Aldrich
Naphthalene, 99%
Supelco
Naphthalene, analytical standard
Sigma-Aldrich
Naphthalene, suitable for scintillation, ≥99%
Supelco
Naphthalene, certified reference material, TraceCERT®, Manufactured by: Sigma-Aldrich Production GmbH, Switzerland
Supelco
Melting point standard 79-81°C, analytical standard