National Poison Data System (NPDS) review of intentional sodium nitrite ingestions 2009–2019

Abstract Ingesting sodium nitrite as a suicide method appears to be gaining popularity, spurred by online suicide blogs and an easily obtainable product. However, the exact nature of this trend has not been studied. We conducted an 11-year retrospective review of intentional sodium nitrite ingestions reported to the National Poison Data System from January 1, 2009-December 31, 2019. We included all cases coded as “nitrite or nitrate” in the initial request. We requested full case records for the initial cohort to confirm details. NPDS recorded 390 individual “nitrite or nitrate” exposures during the study period, and 42 met inclusion criteria. We received full case records for 35/42 patients, and 17 were included in the final cohort (N = 17). The mean age was 23.2 years old. Visible cyanosis was present in 13/17 patients with a mean oxygen saturation of 85%. Methylene blue was administered in 14/17 cases with 8/17 requiring advanced cardiac life support. The overall mortality rate was 41% (7/17). All patients presented in the final two years of the study period. Intentionally ingesting sodium nitrite represents a novel, growing trend and carries a high mortality rate among young adults. Abbreviations: AAPCC, American Association of Poison Control Center; ACLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support; CPCS, California Poison Control System; NPDS, National Poison Data System; PCC, Poison Control Center; SPI, Specialist in Poison Information.