Copper intoxication rarely occurs, and few patients present to the emergency department. Copper is used mainly in electrical devices and insecticides, and poisoning occurs through exposure by inhalation, ingestion or skin. If a suicide attmpt by oral ingestion, patients could be treated with hydration, hemodialysis, and in some patients, antidote.
After ingesting a glass of insecticide containg copper oxychloride, a 19-year-old male was brought to the emergency department with agitation, nausea, tachycardia, tachypnea, dyspnea, altered mental status, vomiting, and cool, clammy skin. The patient had significant hemolytic anemia and no urine output The diagnosis of acute renal failure due to copper intoxication was made and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The patient was hydrated and underwent hemodialysis, and his renal function gradually recovered. He was discharged home in good condition. Patients with copper poisoning should undergo intense hydration and dialysis therapy by an experienced team to ensure a complete recovery.
Keywords: Copper poisoning, anemia, anuria