The potential role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the management of aluminum phosphide-poisoned patients: A series of 10 cases

Introduction. - Aluminum phosphide pesticides have become a popular way of committing suicide in Egypt. Owing to the lack of a particular antidote, the management of aluminum phosphide toxicity is primarily supportive, so the mortality associated with aluminum phosphide poisoning is very high. This study aims to demonstrate the unique experience of using ECMO in the management of ALP poisoning at Cairo University. Methodology. - This case series included patients admitted to the Sheiref Mokhtar ICU Department, Kasr Al-Aainy Hospital, Cairo University, after ingestion of ALP tablets. Results. - All 10 patients were at high risk and clinically unstable, referred from the poisoning center, and did not respond to supportive management. Sixty percent of them were females, and 40% were males (with ages ranging from 13 years to 40years). Of all the patients who received ECMO, 8 patients improved and were discharged, whereas 2 patients experienced cardiac arrest and died.