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Sodium Nitrite Intoxication and Death: Summarizing Evidence to Facilitate Diagnosis

Author

Listed:
  • Martina Padovano

    (Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Mariarosaria Aromatario

    (Unit of Risk Management, Quality, and Accreditation, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy)

  • Stefano D’Errico

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34137 Trieste, Italy)

  • Monica Concato

    (Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health, University of Trieste, 34137 Trieste, Italy)

  • Federico Manetti

    (Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Chiara David

    (Department of Public Security, Health Central Directorate, Research Center and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Ministry of the Interior, 00184 Rome, Italy)

  • Matteo Scopetti

    (Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy)

  • Paola Frati

    (Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Vittorio Fineschi

    (Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Background: Over the years, forensic pathology has registered the spread of new methods of suicide, such as the ingestion of sodium nitrite. Sodium nitrite causes increased methemoglobin, resulting in systemic hypoxia, metabolic acidosis, and cyanosis. Since sodium nitrite is a preservative, the ingestion of foods containing an excessive amount of this substance can also cause acute intoxication up to death. The present review is aimed at guiding health professionals in the identification and management of sodium-nitrite-related intoxications and deaths. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed by following the PRISMA statement’s criteria. A total of 35 studies with 132 cases were enrolled, and the data were cataloged in Microsoft Excel. To establish the causal correlation between sodium nitrite ingestion and death, the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale was used. Results: In addition to the small number of cases that have currently been published, the study demonstrated that there was a general methodological discrepancy in the diagnostic process. However, some interesting results have emerged, especially in post-mortem diagnostics. Conclusion: Sodium-nitrite-related deaths represent a challenge for forensic pathologists; therefore, it is important to promptly recognize the essential features and perform the necessary and unrepeatable examinations for the correct diagnosis of the cause of death.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Padovano & Mariarosaria Aromatario & Stefano D’Errico & Monica Concato & Federico Manetti & Maria Chiara David & Matteo Scopetti & Paola Frati & Vittorio Fineschi, 2022. "Sodium Nitrite Intoxication and Death: Summarizing Evidence to Facilitate Diagnosis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:13996-:d:955157
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    References listed on IDEAS

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