1H NMR Spectroscopic Investigation of Serum and Urine in a Case of Acute Tetrahydrofuran Poisoning

This article reports the investigation by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy of biological fluids in a case of intentional poisoning with tetrahydrofuran (THF). Occupational exposures to this solvent are well documented, but acute poisoning cases are extremely rare, and the one pres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of analytical toxicology 2001-05, Vol.25 (4), p.270-274
Main Authors: Cartigny, Bernard, Azaroual, Nathalie, Imbenotte, Michel, Sadeg, Nouredine, Testart, Francine, Richecoeur, Jack, Vermeersch, Gaston, Lhermitte, Michel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acute Disease
Biological and medical sciences
Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases
Female
Furans - blood
Furans - chemistry
Furans - poisoning
Furans - urine
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Humans
Hydroxybutyrates - blood
Hydroxybutyrates - urine
Lactic Acid - blood
Lactic Acid - urine
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Solvents
Solvents - chemistry
Solvents - poisoning
Spectrum Analysis
Toxicology
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Summary:This article reports the investigation by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy of biological fluids in a case of intentional poisoning with tetrahydrofuran (THF). Occupational exposures to this solvent are well documented, but acute poisoning cases are extremely rare, and the one presented here is the second known case of this kind. Urine and serum samples were collected. Without any pretreatment, the presence of THF was confirmed by characteristic resonances at 1.90 and 3.76 ppm; high lactate levels were also observed. The presence of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was noted. Quantitative analysis was performed by relative integration of peak areas. THF concentrations were 813 and 850 mg/L (11.3 and 11.8 mmol/L), and GHB concentrations 239 and 2977 mg/L (2.3 and 28.6 mmol/L) in serum and urine, respectively. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method confirmed 1H NMR observations. The origin of GHB detected in serum and urine is also discussed.
ISSN:0146-4760
1945-2403
DOI:10.1093/jat/25.4.270