Spectrum of patients intentionally poisoned with an emulsified concentrate pendimethalin herbicide.

OBJECTIVE

Studies on the acute toxicity of pendimethalin herbicide in humans are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical characteristics of acute intentional pendimethalin herbicide poisoning.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective observational case series was conducted involving 17 patients with a history of intentional pendimethalin herbicide ingestion. Data were collected on clinical manifestations, management and final outcome.

RESULT

The mortality rate was 0%; however, four patients (23.5%) exhibited metabolic acidosis, hypotension or respiratory failure within the first 24 h after ingestion and required admission to the intensive care unit. The most common complication was respiratory failure, followed by hypotension. Complicated patients tended to show an altered mental state and X-ray abnormalities at presentation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should be aware that patients who have been poisoned with pendimethalin herbicide, and particularly patients with a depressed mental state and X-ray abnormalities at presentation, may exhibit metabolic acidosis, hypotension, respiratory failure or pancreatitis.