Acute hemolytic anemia due to ingestion of naphthalene moth balls I Clinical aspects

Mackell, JV; Rieders, F; Brieger, H; Bauer, EL

HERO ID

32838

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1951

Language

English

PMID

14843791

HERO ID 32838
In Press No
Year 1951
Title Acute hemolytic anemia due to ingestion of naphthalene moth balls I Clinical aspects
Authors Mackell, JV; Rieders, F; Brieger, H; Bauer, EL
Journal Pediatrics
Volume 7
Issue 5
Page Numbers 722-728
Abstract Naphthalene moth balls are potent hemolytic agents, capable of producing an acute, severe and perhaps fatal anemia. Moth ball poisoning should be suspected in children manifesting evidence of sudden hemolytic anemia, and an attempt should be made to demonstrate naphthalene or its derivatives in the urine. Care should be taken to prevent moth balls from being reached by infants and children. α- and β-naphthol and α- and β-naphthoquinone were found in the urine of a child suffering from severe hemolytic anemia due to ingestion of naphthalene moth balls. The hemolytic properties of naphthalene, of the naphthols and naphthoquinones were examined in vitro and in vivo (rabbits). Naphthalene itself was found to be nonhemolytic in vitro or in vivo. The hemolytic power of the naphthalene metabolites in vitro decreased in the following order: α-naphthol, β-naphthol, α-naphthoquinone, β-naphthoquinone. Hemolysis due to α-naphthol was observed in vivo (rabbits). However, its hemolytic action was significantly weaker than in vitro. β-naphthol and the naphthoquinones showed no hemolytic activity in vivo (rabbits). Plasma, cholesterol and lecithin did not inhibit the hemolytic activity of the naphthalene metabolites in vitro. Formation of methemoglobin was not observed.
Doi 10.1542/peds.7.5.722
Pmid 14843791
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0003131291&partnerID=40&md5=c1ef358396985330100b273946c24299
Is Public Yes
Language Text English