Citation

Petreski T, Kit B, Strnad M, Grenc D, Svenšek F. Arh. Hig. Rada Toksikol. 2020; 71(2): 163-166.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Croatian Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health)

DOI

10.2478/aiht-2020-71-3413

PMID

32975104

PMCID

PMC7968493

Abstract

Cholinergic syndrome is a common topic at western medical universities yet rarely observed in clinical practice. The treatment involves muscarinic antagonists, acetylcholinesterase reactivation, seizure control, and supportive measures. Here we report a case of a 52-year old Caucasian male who attempted suicide by ingesting a purple crystal powder that turned out to be a mixture of carbofuran and chlormephos. At clinical examination, the patient presented with salivation, perspiration, diarrhoea, bradypnoea, loss of consciousness, and epileptic seizures. Laboratory tests showed low plasma cholinesterase, and we started obidoxime along with supportive intensive care treatment. He was later transferred to the psychiatry department for further diagnostics and treatment.

Language: en

Keywords

Carbamates; carbofuran; chlormephos; Cholinergic Agents; critical care; Humans; Insecticides; Male; Middle Aged; obidoxime; Obidoxime Chloride; Organophosphates