Acute iron poisoning.

Abstract

Acute iron poisoning continues to be one of the most common and deadly poisonings seen by emergency physicians. There are many potential pitfalls in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of iron-poisoned patients. This article reviews the pathophysiology of acute iron poisoning and describes a comprehensive management plan that will enable emergency physicians to provide appropriate emergency care to patients ingesting iron preparations. This article also addresses the common problems encountered by clinicians who care for iron-poisoned patients once they are admitted to the hospital.