The Poisonous Mutation

He mistakenly ingested a large amount of boric acid as a single oral dose to stop hiccups. On admission, he had vomiting, diarrhea, and hiccups. Laboratory data was diagnostic of acute renal failure. Hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion were performed in series. The serum concentration of boric acid was reduced by the therapy, but the patient died due to cardiac insufficiency. Acute boric acid poisoning resulting from a single oral dose in adults has rarely been reported. Our case is the fourth fatal case in adults since the last few years following a single, acute ingestion of boric acid. Being corrosive and pungent, it is rarely consumed accidently. It is mostly used as a suicidal modality. It has been however, rarely used with homicidal intent too. The high degree of absorption of boric acid from broken skin surfaces and mucous membranes is emphasized. Absorption of boric acid through intact adult skin could not be demonstrated.

Its comutagenic effects may be explained by interference with base and nucleotide excision repair, eventually through interaction with zinc finger structures. Dimethylarsinic acid, DMA(V), caused DNA single strand breaks resulting from inhibition of repair enzymes. Without knowing, it cause a slight mutation in his gene. Gradually, he begin to feel the changes in his body but he was afraid to go to anyone. He hid himself in the cave for numerous years, living as a caveman but a more advanced type of caveman with many facilities he built himself. Eventually, he was found dead by tourists who visited the cave after 40 years.