clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Local effects:
- blistering and soreness of the skin; cracking, and and shedding of fingernails
- de-epithelialisation of the cornea and conjunctiva
- epistaxis or sore throat following inhalation
Systemic effects:
- abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea
- pulmonary oedema, cardiac and renal failure, hepatic damage
The final outcome depends on the lung lesion which is dose related; this ranges from minimal changes which are reversible, to pronounced pulmonary oedema, leading to pulmonary fibrosis if the patient survives beyond a few days, and long term respiratory impairment.