Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

A Survivor of Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide(MEKP) Toxicity

Mohamed Salah Shirazy and Akram Muhammed Fayed

Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) is a widely used catalyst in the hardening of ester resins. It is highly hazardous, since it is a highly reactive oxidizing compound. Thus, it’s exposure results in chemical burns and release of free radicals. Previously reported cases of MEKP ingestion showed high morbidity and mortality as it caused severe metabolic acidosis, acute liver and renal failure, upper gastrointestinal ulceration, optic disc atrophy, myocardial damage, coagulopathy, and neurologic damage. A 42-year-old man accidentally ingested about 150 ml of MEKP 40% followed by ingestion of 100 ml olive oil. He was treated with stomach wash, free radical scavengers, and hemodialysis. Although he developed mild hematemesis, myocardial and hepatic impairment, coagulopathy, and papillitis, he neither developed renal impairment nor any gastrointestinal strictures after 4 weeks. Besides, his cardiac and hepatic functions, and coagulapthy were rapidly improved. Treatment with careful stomach wash, olive oil, free radical scavengers, and hemodialysis may be effective in reducing the morbidity and mortality of MEKP.