Acute Cyanide Poisoning

Abstract

Cyanide poisoning results in cytotoxic hypoxia due to the inactivation of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase. The pathophysiology of this intoxication is discussed and antidotal therapies are examined and contrasted. Two case reports of patients with acute poisoning are presented. The importance of general supportive measures, the administration of 100 per cent oxygen and reversal of metabolic acidosis are stressed.