A Case Report of Potassium Permanganate Poisoning: How to Manage Successfully

Abstract

KMnO₄ is a highly corrosive and powerful oxidizing agent with reported lethal dose of 10 g in adults. Poisoning by ingestion is associated with a wide range of local and systemic complications including ARDS and multi-organ failure. Very few cases of KMnO₄ poisoning have been reported until now. As no antidote is available for KMnO₄ poisoning, only supportive management is given, which includes airway securing on a priority basis. N-acetyl cysteine is given as an empiric treatment to prevent hepatic injury, and endoscopy is very useful in locating and seeing the severity of injury in the esophagus and stomach and is also helpful in guiding the treatment of such patients. This case report highlights the successful management of a patient with KMnO₄ poisoning (by ingestion) with rapid interventions in preventing further damage and hastening the recovery.