Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 38
  • Issue: 1

An atypical presentation of coagulative necrosis in ala (bleach) toxicity

  • Author:
  • Karthi Vignesh Raj1, Senthil Kumaran2,*, Norton Stephen3, J. Venkatesh4, Bhawana Ashok Badhe5
  • Total Page Count: 5
  • Page Number: 77 to 81

1Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029. Email: karadhran1269@gmail.com

2Associate Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri, Email: drsenthilkumaran84@gmail.com

3Assistant Professor, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre-Pondicherry Email: norton.stephen89@gmail.com

4Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, Email: venkijanas@gmail.com

5Professor, Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, PondicherryIndia, Email: bhawanabdh11@gmail.com

*Corresponding Author Dr. Senthil Kumaran, Associate Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalagiri - 522503. Email: drsenthilkumaran84@gmail.com

Online published on 21 March, 2022.

Abstract

Ala household bleach primarily contains sodium hypochlorite as the active ingredient. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is used for its disinfectant and antiseptic properties. However, exposure to it, either intentionally or accidental, is associated with significant risks due to its strong oxidizing properties. Potentially dangerous scenarios, including ingestion, inhalation, or injection, can lead to considerable morbidity and even mortality. While small accidental ingestions are unlikely to cause clinically significant toxicity, large ingestions may cause corrosive gastrointestinal injury and systemic effects, including metabolic acidosis, hypernatremia, and hyperchloremia. We report here a case of a 26-year-old man who intentionally had taken Ala (bleach) of 150 ml and succumbed to death six hours later This case highlights the toxicity of bleach with its typical gross and histopathological findings against the current prevailing concepts of caustic ingestion, thus mandating a revision regarding the findings observed related to the caustic ingestion.

Keywords

Bleach, Ala, Sodium hypochlorite, Bleach toxicity