Bone marrow toxicity after yellow phosphorus ingestion.

Suicidal ingestions of fireworks containing yellow phosphorus occur often during holidays. A case is reported of a 17 year old woman who intentionally ingested an estimated amount of 5.5 mg of yellow phosphorus, presenting with upper abdominal pain as the only complaint, a physical examination was normal. Blood tests showed a considerable decrease in the granulocyte count; the bone marrow biopsy revealed a decreased cellular mass with degenerative changes. Spontaneous remission was observed during the next 48 hours, with no further complaints.