The Role of Plasmapheresis in Treating Lethal Cupric Sulfate Poisoning.

The mortality rate of cupric sulfate is relatively high in contrast to that of other heavy metals. Cases of orally ingested cupric sulfate poisoning are very rare, with a reported half lethal dose of 10 g. Cupric sulfate poisoning leads to gastrointestinal corrosion, intravascular hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia and acute renal and hepatic impairment. Without proper and prompt treatment, multiple organ failure and death occur. Here, we present the first report that removal of the excessive intravascular copper ions by plasmapheresis was accompanied by complete recovery.