Tao Haibo, Man Yanru, Shi Xiaoyuan, Zhu Jun, Pan Hang, Qin Qin, Liu Shanrong
Department of Clinical Laboratory, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Case Rep Med. 2016;2016:2743134. doi: 10.1155/2016/2743134. Epub 2016 Oct 20.
Barium is a heavy divalent alkaline earth metal that has been known as a muscle poison. Barium can cause human toxicity, which may lead to significant hypokalemia and have serious consequences. This paper reports a case of unprecedented barium intoxication in which the patient, who suffered from depression, swallowed at least 3.0 g barium chloride to commit suicide. On admission, the patient presented with nausea, vomiting, stomach burning feeling, dizziness, and weakness. Emergency biochemical testing showed that the patient was suffering from severe hypokalemia (K 1.7 mmol/L). His electrocardiogram (ECG) prompted atrioventricular blocking, ventricular tachycardia, prolongation of PR interval, ST segment depression with U waves, and T wave inversion. Intravenous potassium supplements were given immediately to correct hypokalemia and regular monitoring of vital signs and fluid balance was arranged. After all-out rescue of our hospital personnel, the condition of the patient is currently stable and he is gradually recovering. This case exemplifies the weaknesses of the management of toxic substances and the lack of mental health education for young people. We hope to get more attention for the supervision of toxic substances and the healthy development of young people.
钡是一种重的二价碱土金属，一直被认为是一种肌肉毒素。钡可导致人体中毒，可能会引发严重的低钾血症并产生严重后果。本文报告了一例前所未有的钡中毒病例，该患者患有抑郁症，吞服了至少3.0克氯化钡以自杀。入院时，患者出现恶心、呕吐、胃部烧灼感、头晕和虚弱症状。紧急生化检查显示患者患有严重低钾血症（血钾1.7毫摩尔/升）。他的心电图提示房室传导阻滞、室性心动过速、PR间期延长、ST段压低伴U波以及T波倒置。立即给予静脉补钾以纠正低钾血症，并安排定期监测生命体征和液体平衡。经过我院医护人员的全力抢救，患者目前病情稳定，正在逐渐康复。该病例体现了有毒物质管理方面的薄弱环节以及对年轻人心理健康教育的缺失。我们希望能引起对有毒物质监管和年轻人健康发展的更多关注。
