A case of organophosphate poisoning presenting with seizure and unavailable history of parenteral suicide attempt

oleh: Pandit Vinay, Seshadri Shubha, Rao S, Samarasinghe Charmaine, Kumar Ashwini, Valsalan Rohith

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2011-01-01

Deskripsi

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is common in India. Only few case reports of parenteral OP poisoning have been described. We report a case of self-injected methyl parathion poisoning, presenting after four days with seizure, altered sensorium, and respiratory distress which posed a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Despite nonavailability of history of OP poisoning, he was treated based on suspicion and showed a good clinical response to treatment trial with atropine and pralidoxime, and had a successful recovery. Atypical presentations may be encountered following parenteral administration of OP poison, and even a slight suspicion of this warrants proper investigations and treatment for a favorable outcome. Persistently low plasma cholinesterase level is a useful marker for making the diagnosis.