Aluminium phosphide poisoning: haemodynamic observations.

Haemodynamic measurements were made on 25 patients with aluminium phosphide poisoning. There was severe hypotension (mean arterial pressure 62.7 +/- 19.3 mmHg) and reduction in cardiac output (2.13 +/- 0.9 lit/min/m2). However, the systemic vascular resistance was only moderately elevated (2050 +/- 732 dynes/m2). The right atrial pressure was increased but the pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures were normal, even in patients with pulmonary oedema. Thirteen patients (52%) who died had a lower cardiac output (p less than 0.05). Saline infusion significantly improved haemodynamics in some patients. Its judicious use early in the course of treatment may be beneficial.