Clinical Assessment of Acute Organophosphorus Pesticide Poisoning in Pediatric Patients Admitted to the Toxicology Emergency Department

Abstract

Pesticide poisoning in pediatric patients is still an important reason for presenting to the emergency department in Romania. In this context, the present study aims to raise awareness of the toxicological impact of pesticides on human health in pediatrics. For this purpose, the demographic characteristics, clinical assessment, and outcome of pediatric patients with acute pesticide poisoning admitted to the toxicology department of “Saint Mary” Emergency Children’s Hospital from Iasi, were analyzed. This retrospective study focused on the clinical and laboratory data of patients aged under 18 years diagnosed with acute pesticide poisoning between 2010–2020. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10 package. A total of 49 patients presented with manifestations of acute pesticide poisoning, and the most common pesticide involved was diazinon. The most frequent exposure route was accidentally ingesting pesticide products (95%). The primary clinical manifestations were toxic encephalopathy, coma, depressive disorder, gastric disorders, and respiratory failure. Changes in the glycemic status, liver, and kidney damage were also present. Treatment included decontamination, administration of antidote, supportive care, and recommendations to be closely monitored to avoid a new incident. These results highlight the toxic potential of pesticides on human health and their biological consequences, which require an increase in consciousness of the precautions imposed on their use, especially when children are nearby.

Navigating the Neurological Abyss: A Comprehensive Review of Organophosphate Poisoning Complications

“…Interrogating the patient about occupation, hobbies, recent chemical exposures, and any history of intentional or accidental ingestion provides critical contextual information. An accurate timeline of symptom development aids in determining the phase of poisoning and guides subsequent diagnostic and treatment decisions [ 12 ]. The physical examination, an essential aspect of clinical evaluation, is tailored to identify classic signs associated with organophosphate poisoning.…”

“…Regular assessment of neurological status helps track the progression of symptoms. The comprehensive nature of clinical evaluation sets the stage for subsequent diagnostic investigations and the initiation of timely interventions, significantly influencing patient outcomes [ 12 ].…”

“…This rapid intervention is essential to mitigate the potential systemic effects and reduce the overall toxicity of the exposure. Proper decontamination protocols, including protective equipment for responders, are pivotal in preventing further absorption and ensuring the safety of individuals exposed to organophosphates [ 12 ].…”

Microbial Detoxification of Residual Pesticides in Fermented Foods: Current Status and Prospects

“…In general, OPPs are acutely toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans. They are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, and the intoxication symptoms include coma, dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps, convulsions, loss of reactions, and even death [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]. The systemic herbicide glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine) is another organophosphorus compound (phosphonate), but it acts by inhibiting the plant enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase [ 51 ].…”

Strategic detection of food contaminants using nanoparticle‐based paper sensors

“…Either from industry products or chemical rivalry, O p poses dire health consequences on the neurological cycle of a living being (Figueiredo et al, 2018). Generally, the chemicals like thion (P=S) or oxon (P=S) can decrease the function of cholinesterase enzymes, leading to neurological, pulmonary, and cardiovascular issues (Caba et al, 2022). O p toxicity has been documented since 1960, poisoning 3 million people and killing 2,00,000 annually.…”