Stibine poisoning
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Synopsis

Stibine gas is an industrial byproduct that contains antimony. Stibine poisoning is uncommon, but it usually occurs due to inhalation exposure.
The toxic mechanism of stibine is not clear but likely involves inhibition of enzymes that protect the body from oxidative stress.
Acute stibine poisoning is a cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, arrhythmia, and hemolysis. Chronic exposure (often in the workplace) can cause pneumonitis, dermatitis, and headache.
Treatment is supportive, utilizing intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolyte supplementation, and blood transfusion. Stibine poisoning is not typically lethal if supportive care is provided.
The toxic mechanism of stibine is not clear but likely involves inhibition of enzymes that protect the body from oxidative stress.
Acute stibine poisoning is a cause of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, arrhythmia, and hemolysis. Chronic exposure (often in the workplace) can cause pneumonitis, dermatitis, and headache.
Treatment is supportive, utilizing intravenous (IV) fluids, electrolyte supplementation, and blood transfusion. Stibine poisoning is not typically lethal if supportive care is provided.
Codes
ICD10CM:
T59.91XA – Toxic effect of unspecified gases, fumes and vapors, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
243055004 – Poisoning due to irritant gas
T59.91XA – Toxic effect of unspecified gases, fumes and vapors, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
243055004 – Poisoning due to irritant gas
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Other poisoning – colchicine, copper sulfate, lead, dinitrophenols, naphthalene, thallium, pyrogallic acid, arsenic, phosphine
- Snake (eg, pit viper snake, coral snake) or spider bites
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura / hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Gastroenteritis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
- Malaria
- Leptospirosis
- Viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C)
- Anticholinergic syndrome
- Cholinergic syndrome
- Opioid withdrawal
- Porphyria (eg, acute intermittent porphyria)
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Last Reviewed:08/14/2019
Last Updated:08/14/2019
Last Updated:08/14/2019