Applicability of early indicators of iron toxicity.

Leukocytosis, blood glucose, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal radiograph have been reported as early indicators of toxic serum iron levels. To test the applicability of this battery of five variables, the charts of 64 patients admitted for toxic iron ingestion were reviewed. When these variables were subjected to tests of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive negative and positive values in 42 patients meeting study criteria, they failed to reach statistical significance. Only vomiting was found to approach statistical significance and, therefore, may serve as an early indicator of toxicity. In addition, several epidemiological issues relevant to the study population are discussed.