Phenol poisoning.

A case report of survival after severe ingestion of phenol is described. The patient developed coma, respiratory arrest 30 minutes postingestion, hypotension, ventricular arrhythmias, metabolic acidosis, seizures, selective elevation of uric acid and gastrointestinal disturbances. Treatment consisted of gastric lavage, olive oil, activated charcoal and supportive therapy. The exact amount of ingested substance was known, and ventricular arrhythmias specifically related to phenol, not its derivatives, could be described.