Parenteral organophosphorus poisoning in a rural emergency department: a case report

BMC Res Notes. 2013 Dec 9:6:524. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-524.

Abstract

Background: Poisoning is a common presentation in the emergency department. Oral exposures to organophosphorus compounds are especially frequent in rural and agricultural regions of South Asia and throughout the developing world.

Case presentation: Here we report a case of deliberate self-harm with an organophosphorus pesticide via the relatively uncommon parenteral route. A young woman injected herself with chlorpyriphos. Although the cholinergic effects were mild, cellulitis and abscess development were noted as a result.

Conclusion: Resource limited agricultural countries like Nepal present health care workers with numerous challenges in poisoning management. This case represents a rare but potentially morbid method of agrochemical poison exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Humans
  • Organophosphates / toxicity*
  • Poisoning / therapy*
  • Rural Health Services*

Substances

  • Organophosphates