Hematology: Fatal Ingestion of a Brodifacoum-Containing Rodenticide

Abstract

Inhibition of normal clotting is a result of rodenticides being applied to rodents in an effort to exterminate them. However, the rodenticides are also readily available for human consumption. We report a fatal ingestion of brodifacoum, a long-acting warfarin-like anticoagulant found in Havoc rodenticide. To our knowledge, this is the first such fatality reported. This case illustrates the typical clinical presentation, therapeutic alternatives, and responses to vitamin K-antagonizing anticoagulant overdoses.