A case of black urine and dark skin - Cresol poisoning

Introduction. Cresol is a phenol derivative used as a disinfectant worldwide. Acute cresol poisoning is potentially fatal as it may cause multiple organ failure. We present a case of acute cresol intoxication in a male patient to illustrate the effects of cresol poisoning. Case. A 42-year-old male presented with black urine, painless brownish dermal burns, and a strong carbolic acid odor. The patient was immediately resuscitated with adequate oxygenation and aggressive fluid resuscitation. He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit, where his treatment course was complicated by pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic dysfunction, and acute renal failure. After receiving supportive intensive care, the patient recovered and was discharged with no sequelae. Conclusion. The distinctive clinical features of this case may be useful in diagnosis, because laboratory analytical methods for cresols are not routinely available at most hospitals. © 2010 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.