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ORGANORHODIUM COMPLEX

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Classification   |    Detailed evidence-based information

Substances Included Synonyms

Therapeutic Toxic Class

    A) Organorhodium complex is a proprietary compound. The specific identity and formula are confidential.

Specific Substances

    A) No Synonyms were found in group or single elements

Available Forms Sources

    A) FORMS
    1) Organorhodium complex is a proprietary compound. It occurs as green crystals which are insoluble in water (EPA, 1985). The specific identity, formula, and molecular weight are confidential (EPA, 1985).
    2) Little is known about the toxicity of organorhodium complex. This review is based on the properties of RHODIUM COMPOUNDS in general.

Overview

Life Support

    A) This overview assumes that basic life support measures have been instituted.

Clinical Effects

    0.2.1) SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
    A) Organorhodium complex is of unknown composition. It is acutely toxic to rats by inhalation. Because no further toxicologic information was available, this review is based on the properties of rhodium compounds in general.
    B) Rhodium is generally listed as a non-toxic metal, but this may be due to the paucity of case reports. Industrial hygienists agree that soluble rhodium compounds are likely to be toxic, but there have been no clinical reports to date.
    C) There is one case report of allergic sensitization to a rhodium compound.
    D) Because there are no known clinical signs or symptoms of rhodium poisoning, the acute toxicity of organorhodium complex in rats may be due to the organic component.
    0.2.6) RESPIRATORY
    A) Respiratory depression was seen in fatally poisoned mice after injection with rhodium trichloride.
    0.2.7) NEUROLOGIC
    A) Lethargy was seen in animals injected with rhodium trichloride. Deaths were consistent with CNS depression, but no particular lesions were found.
    0.2.20) REPRODUCTIVE
    A) At the time of this review, no human studies were found.
    B) ANIMAL STUDIES - Rhodium affects embryonic development in chicks, but the implications of this finding for human reproduction are not clear.
    0.2.21) CARCINOGENICITY
    A) At the time of this review, no studies were found on the possible carcinogenic activity of organorhodium complex in humans.
    B) ANIMAL STUDIES - Rhodium was slightly carcinogenic in mice in a lifetime drinking water study.

Laboratory Monitoring

    A) There is no established toxic level of rhodium or its compounds.

Treatment Overview

    0.4.2) ORAL/PARENTERAL EXPOSURE
    A) SUMMARY
    1) Care should be taken to determine whether or not the rhodium salt ingested is irritant or caustic. Ingestion of rhodium salts is rare.
    B) GASTRIC LAVAGE: Consider after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening amount of poison if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 1 hour). Protect airway by placement in the head down left lateral decubitus position or by endotracheal intubation. Control any seizures first.
    1) CONTRAINDICATIONS: Loss of airway protective reflexes or decreased level of consciousness in unintubated patients; following ingestion of corrosives; hydrocarbons (high aspiration potential); patients at risk of hemorrhage or gastrointestinal perforation; and trivial or non-toxic ingestion.
    C) ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as a slurry (240 mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12 years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old.
    D) There is no specific antidote for treatment for rhodium intoxication. There is no specific chelator indicated.
    0.4.3) INHALATION EXPOSURE
    A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation, bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with an inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist. Consider systemic corticosteroids in patients with significant bronchospasm.
    0.4.4) EYE EXPOSURE
    A) DECONTAMINATION: Remove contact lenses and irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature 0.9% saline or water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist after 15 minutes of irrigation, the patient should be seen in a healthcare facility.
    0.4.5) DERMAL EXPOSURE
    A) OVERVIEW
    1) DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry and place them in plastic bags. Wash exposed areas with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes with gentle sponging to avoid skin breakdown. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists (Burgess et al, 1999).

Range Of Toxicity

    A) The minimum lethal human dose to this agent has not been delineated. The maximum tolerated human exposure to this agent has not been delineated.

Clinical Effects

Summary Of Exposure

    A) Organorhodium complex is of unknown composition. It is acutely toxic to rats by inhalation. Because no further toxicologic information was available, this review is based on the properties of rhodium compounds in general.
    B) Rhodium is generally listed as a non-toxic metal, but this may be due to the paucity of case reports. Industrial hygienists agree that soluble rhodium compounds are likely to be toxic, but there have been no clinical reports to date.
    C) There is one case report of allergic sensitization to a rhodium compound.
    D) Because there are no known clinical signs or symptoms of rhodium poisoning, the acute toxicity of organorhodium complex in rats may be due to the organic component.

Vital Signs

    3.3.2) RESPIRATIONS
    A) Respiratory depression was seen in fatally poisoned mice after injection with rhodium trichloride (Proctor et al, 1988).

Heent

    3.4.3) EYES
    A) Splashing solutions of soluble salts into the eyes has caused mild irritation.

Respiratory

    3.6.1) SUMMARY
    A) Respiratory depression was seen in fatally poisoned mice after injection with rhodium trichloride.
    3.6.3) ANIMAL EFFECTS
    A) ANIMAL STUDIES
    1) RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION
    a) Respiratory depression was seen in fatally poisoned mice after injection with rhodium trichloride (Proctor et al, 1988).

Neurologic

    3.7.1) SUMMARY
    A) Lethargy was seen in animals injected with rhodium trichloride. Deaths were consistent with CNS depression, but no particular lesions were found.
    3.7.3) ANIMAL EFFECTS
    A) ANIMAL STUDIES
    1) CNS DEPRESSION
    a) Lethargy was seen in mice injected with rhodium trichloride. Deaths were consistent with CNS depression, but no particular lesions were found (Proctor et al, 1988).

Reproductive

    3.20.1) SUMMARY
    A) At the time of this review, no human studies were found.
    B) ANIMAL STUDIES - Rhodium affects embryonic development in chicks, but the implications of this finding for human reproduction are not clear.
    3.20.2) TERATOGENICITY
    A) LACK OF INFORMATION
    1) At the time of this review, no data were available to assess the teratogenic potential of this agent.
    B) ANIMAL STUDIES
    1) EMBRYOTOXICITY
    a) Rhodium adversely affected embryonic development in chicks (Ridgway & Karnofsky, 1952), but the implications of this finding for humans are not clear.
    3.20.3) EFFECTS IN PREGNANCY
    A) LACK OF INFORMATION
    1) At the time of this review, no data were available to assess the potential effects of exposure to this agent during pregnancy or lactation.

Carcinogenicity

    3.21.2) SUMMARY/HUMAN
    A) At the time of this review, no studies were found on the possible carcinogenic activity of organorhodium complex in humans.
    B) ANIMAL STUDIES - Rhodium was slightly carcinogenic in mice in a lifetime drinking water study.
    3.21.3) HUMAN STUDIES
    A) ANIMAL STUDIES
    1) CARCINOMA
    a) Rhodium was slightly carcinogenic in a lifetime study in mice at 5 ppm in the drinking water (ACGIH, 1986).

Genotoxicity

    A) Rhodium compounds have induced DNA damage and mutations in bacteria.

Laboratory Monitoring

Monitoring Parameters Levels

    4.1.1) SUMMARY
    A) There is no established toxic level of rhodium or its compounds.
    4.1.2) SERUM/BLOOD
    A) TOXICITY
    1) There are no established toxic levels of rhodium or its compounds.
    4.1.4) OTHER
    A) OTHER
    1) MONITORING
    a) If respiratory tract irritation or respiratory depression is evident, monitor arterial blood gases, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests.

Treatment

Life Support

    A) Support respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Monitoring

    A) There is no established toxic level of rhodium or its compounds.

Oral Exposure

    6.5.2) PREVENTION OF ABSORPTION
    A) SUMMARY
    1) Care should be taken to determine whether or not the rhodium salt ingested is irritant or caustic. Ingestion of rhodium salts is rare.
    B) GASTRIC LAVAGE
    1) INDICATIONS: Consider gastric lavage with a large-bore orogastric tube (ADULT: 36 to 40 French or 30 English gauge tube {external diameter 12 to 13.3 mm}; CHILD: 24 to 28 French {diameter 7.8 to 9.3 mm}) after a potentially life threatening ingestion if it can be performed soon after ingestion (generally within 60 minutes).
    a) Consider lavage more than 60 minutes after ingestion of sustained-release formulations and substances known to form bezoars or concretions.
    2) PRECAUTIONS:
    a) SEIZURE CONTROL: Is mandatory prior to gastric lavage.
    b) AIRWAY PROTECTION: Place patients in the head down left lateral decubitus position, with suction available. Patients with depressed mental status should be intubated with a cuffed endotracheal tube prior to lavage.
    3) LAVAGE FLUID:
    a) Use small aliquots of liquid. Lavage with 200 to 300 milliliters warm tap water (preferably 38 degrees Celsius) or saline per wash (in older children or adults) and 10 milliliters/kilogram body weight of normal saline in young children(Vale et al, 2004) and repeat until lavage return is clear.
    b) The volume of lavage return should approximate amount of fluid given to avoid fluid-electrolyte imbalance.
    c) CAUTION: Water should be avoided in young children because of the risk of electrolyte imbalance and water intoxication. Warm fluids avoid the risk of hypothermia in very young children and the elderly.
    4) COMPLICATIONS:
    a) Complications of gastric lavage have included: aspiration pneumonia, hypoxia, hypercapnia, mechanical injury to the throat, esophagus, or stomach, fluid and electrolyte imbalance (Vale, 1997). Combative patients may be at greater risk for complications (Caravati et al, 2001).
    b) Gastric lavage can cause significant morbidity; it should NOT be performed routinely in all poisoned patients (Vale, 1997).
    5) CONTRAINDICATIONS:
    a) Loss of airway protective reflexes or decreased level of consciousness if patient is not intubated, following ingestion of corrosive substances, hydrocarbons (high aspiration potential), patients at risk of hemorrhage or gastrointestinal perforation, or trivial or non-toxic ingestion.
    C) ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
    1) CHARCOAL ADMINISTRATION
    a) Consider administration of activated charcoal after a potentially toxic ingestion (Chyka et al, 2005). Administer charcoal as an aqueous slurry; most effective when administered within one hour of ingestion.
    2) CHARCOAL DOSE
    a) Use a minimum of 240 milliliters of water per 30 grams charcoal (FDA, 1985). Optimum dose not established; usual dose is 25 to 100 grams in adults and adolescents; 25 to 50 grams in children aged 1 to 12 years (or 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram body weight) ; and 0.5 to 1 gram/kilogram in infants up to 1 year old (Chyka et al, 2005).
    1) Routine use of a cathartic with activated charcoal is NOT recommended as there is no evidence that cathartics reduce drug absorption and cathartics are known to cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, electrolyte imbalances and occasionally hypotension (None Listed, 2004).
    b) ADVERSE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS
    1) Complications: emesis, aspiration (Chyka et al, 2005). Aspiration may be complicated by acute respiratory failure, ARDS, bronchiolitis obliterans or chronic lung disease (Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002; Pollack et al, 1981; Harris & Filandrinos, 1993; Elliot et al, 1989; Rau et al, 1988; Golej et al, 2001; Graff et al, 2002). Refer to the ACTIVATED CHARCOAL/TREATMENT management for further information.
    2) Contraindications: unprotected airway (increases risk/severity of aspiration) , nonfunctioning gastrointestinal tract, uncontrolled vomiting, and ingestion of most hydrocarbons (Chyka et al, 2005).
    6.5.3) TREATMENT
    A) SUPPORT
    1) There is no specific antidote for treatment of rhodium intoxication.
    2) CHELATION: No specific chelator has been indicated to be of use in treating cases of rhodium intoxication.
    3) Patients symptomatic following exposure should be observed in a controlled setting until all signs and symptoms have fully resolved.
    4) Carefully observe patients with oral exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.

Inhalation Exposure

    6.7.1) DECONTAMINATION
    A) EYE IRRIGATION, ROUTINE: Remove contact lenses and irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature 0.9% saline or water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist after 15 minutes of irrigation, an ophthalmologic examination should be performed (Peate, 2007; Naradzay & Barish, 2006).
    6.7.2) TREATMENT
    A) OBSERVATION REGIMES
    1) Carefully observe patients with inhalation exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.
    B) MONITORING OF PATIENT
    1) If respiratory tract irritation or respiratory depression is evident, monitor arterial blood gases, chest x-ray, and pulmonary function tests.
    C) Treatment should include recommendations listed in the ORAL EXPOSURE section when appropriate.

Eye Exposure

    6.8.1) DECONTAMINATION
    A) EYE IRRIGATION, ROUTINE: Remove contact lenses and irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of room temperature 0.9% saline or water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or photophobia persist after 15 minutes of irrigation, an ophthalmologic examination should be performed (Peate, 2007; Naradzay & Barish, 2006).
    6.8.2) TREATMENT
    A) OBSERVATION REGIMES
    1) Patients symptomatic following exposure should be observed in a controlled setting until all signs and symptoms have fully resolved.
    2) Carefully observe patients with eye exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.
    B) Treatment should include recommendations listed in the ORAL EXPOSURE section when appropriate.

Dermal Exposure

    6.9.1) DECONTAMINATION
    A) DERMAL DECONTAMINATION
    1) DECONTAMINATION: Remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed area thoroughly with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes. A physician may need to examine the area if irritation or pain persists (Burgess et al, 1999).
    6.9.2) TREATMENT
    A) OBSERVATION REGIMES
    1) Patients symptomatic following exposure should be observed in a controlled setting until all signs and symptoms have fully resolved.
    2) Carefully observe patients with dermal exposure for the development of any systemic signs or symptoms and administer symptomatic treatment as necessary.
    B) Treatment should include recommendations listed in the ORAL EXPOSURE section when appropriate.

Range Of Toxicity

Summary

    A) The minimum lethal human dose to this agent has not been delineated. The maximum tolerated human exposure to this agent has not been delineated.

Minimum Lethal Exposure

    A) GENERAL/SUMMARY
    1) The minimum lethal human dose to this agent has not been delineated.

Maximum Tolerated Exposure

    A) GENERAL/SUMMARY
    1) The maximum tolerated human exposure to this agent has not been delineated.

Toxicity Information

    7.7.1) TOXICITY VALUES
    A) References: EPA, 1985

References

General Bibliography

    1) Bedello PG, Goitre M, & Roncarolo G: Contact dermatitis to rhodium. Contact Dermatitis 1987; 7:111-112.
    2) Burgess JL, Kirk M, Borron SW, et al: Emergency department hazardous materials protocol for contaminated patients. Ann Emerg Med 1999; 34(2):205-212.
    3) Caravati EM, Knight HH, & Linscott MS: Esophageal laceration and charcoal mediastinum complicating gastric lavage. J Emerg Med 2001; 20:273-276.
    4) Chyka PA, Seger D, Krenzelok EP, et al: Position paper: Single-dose activated charcoal. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2005; 43(2):61-87.
    5) EPA: EPA chemical profile on organorhodium complex, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 1985.
    6) Elliot CG, Colby TV, & Kelly TM: Charcoal lung. Bronchiolitis obliterans after aspiration of activated charcoal. Chest 1989; 96:672-674.
    7) FDA: Poison treatment drug product for over-the-counter human use; tentative final monograph. FDA: Fed Register 1985; 50:2244-2262.
    8) Golej J, Boigner H, Burda G, et al: Severe respiratory failure following charcoal application in a toddler. Resuscitation 2001; 49:315-318.
    9) Graff GR, Stark J, & Berkenbosch JW: Chronic lung disease after activated charcoal aspiration. Pediatrics 2002; 109:959-961.
    10) Harris CR & Filandrinos D: Accidental administration of activated charcoal into the lung: aspiration by proxy. Ann Emerg Med 1993; 22:1470-1473.
    11) Jirasek L: Hypersensitivity to platinum, rhodium, gold, copper, antimony, and other precious metals and occupational dermatitis caused by selenium. Ceskoslovenska Dermatologie 1975; 50:361-368.
    12) Murdoch RD & Pepys J: Platinum group metal sensitivity: reactivity to platinum group metal salts in platinum halide salt-sensitive workers. Ann Allergy 1987; 59:464-469.
    13) Murdoch RD, Pepys J, & Hughes EG: IgE antibody responses to platinum group metals: a large scale refinery survey. Br J Ind Med 1986; 43:37-43.
    14) Naradzay J & Barish RA: Approach to ophthalmologic emergencies. Med Clin North Am 2006; 90(2):305-328.
    15) None Listed: Position paper: cathartics. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2004; 42(3):243-253.
    16) Peate WF: Work-related eye injuries and illnesses. Am Fam Physician 2007; 75(7):1017-1022.
    17) Pollack MM, Dunbar BS, & Holbrook PR: Aspiration of activated charcoal and gastric contents. Ann Emerg Med 1981; 10:528-529.
    18) Proctor NH, Hughes JP, & Fischman ML: Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, 2nd ed, JB Lippincott Co, Philadelphia, PA, 1988, pp 432-433.
    19) RTECS : Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Cincinnati, OH (Internet Version). Edition expires 1991; provided by Truven Health Analytics Inc., Greenwood Village, CO.
    20) Rau NR, Nagaraj MV, Prakash PS, et al: Fatal pulmonary aspiration of oral activated charcoal. Br Med J 1988; 297:918-919.
    21) Ridgway LP & Karnofsky DA: The effects of metals on the chick embryo: toxicity and production of abnormalities in development. Ann Acad Sci 1952; 55:203-215.
    22) Vale JA, Kulig K, American Academy of Clinical Toxicology, et al: Position paper: Gastric lavage. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2004; 42:933-943.
    23) Vale JA: Position Statement: gastric lavage. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1997; 35:711-719.