Accidental oral paraphenylenediamine poisoning in a 5 year-old child

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is an aromatic amine used in cosmetics and industrial applications. The PPD lethal dose in adults is estimated at 7 grams or more. The toxic effects of PPD are dose-related. Despite being highly toxic, its use is not restricted, especially in underdeveloped countries. Treatment consists primarily of advanced life support. PPD poisoning has a high mortality and morbidity, with multiorgan dysfunction. The case is presented of a school child with accidental poisoning PPD, who established a rapid respiratory failure with the development of liver damage, and cardiac and renal failure. During his hospitalization in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit he required cardiovascular support, ventilatory support, and renal replacement therapy. The patient was discharged from critical care a week after full recovery.