Accidental death from acute selenium poisoning

Med J Aust. 2006 Oct 2;185(7):388-9. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00616.x.

Abstract

We report a fatal case of acute selenium poisoning in a 75-year-old man. After reading on the Internet about a possible role of selenium in prostate cancer, the patient ingested 10 g of sodium selenite. Despite intensive care treatment, he suffered a cardiac arrest and died 6 hours after ingestion. This case illustrates the risks of failing to critically evaluate Internet information and exposes the myth that natural therapies are inherently safe.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Complementary Therapies* / adverse effects
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Selenium / poisoning*
  • Self Medication / adverse effects*
  • Trace Elements / poisoning*

Substances

  • Trace Elements
  • Selenium