Effects of Hemodialysis and Dimercaprol in Acute Dichromate Poisoning

Abstract

A 22-month-old infant died after ingesting sodium dichromate his father had brought from work. Treatment included folic acid and dimercaprol administration, hemodialysis, and exchange transfusion. To evaluate this treatment, four dogs were hemodialyzed after receiving intravenous sodium dichromate: their dialyzer chromate clearance was similar to their renal chromate clearance and their dialyzer chromate clearance was not sibmificantly different before or after dimercaprol administration. This and other cases in the literature indicate that although chromate poisoning is often fatal, supportive care, forced diuresis, and chelating agents may be helpful. Hernodialysis may be required if renal failure occurs. Awareness of toxicity and prevention remain the most important approaches.