Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology

Original Article

Enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients after organophosphate poisoning: Sang U Bark, Jeong Mi Moon, Byeng Jo Chun; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2024;22(1):1-9. Published online June 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2024.00001

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Nutritional therapy is a crucial component of therapy for critically ill patients, but there is a lack of nutritional support guidelines for organophosphate (OP) poisoning, likely due to the gastrointestinal effects of atropine, the main antidote for OP. This study investigated whether enteral nutrition (EN) during atropinization is acceptable for mechanically ventilated patients after OP poisoning.
Methods
This retrospective study classified 82 patients with OP poisoning according to whether they were fed during atropinization while on mechanical ventilation (MV). Data on the baseline characteristics, nutritional support, and clinical outcomes were compared. Univariate and multivariate regression models were constructed to analyze the associations between atropine administration for OP poisoning and feeding intolerance-related EN after adjustment for risk factors.
Results
Eighty-two patients received EN after 72 hours on MV, and 40 of them simultaneously received 2 mg/hr atropine for the first 120 hours after EN initiation. The overall incidence of feeding intolerance was 57.3% during the first 12 days after EN initiation and did not differ according to atropine administration. Appropriate atropinization during EN in regression model 1 and the dosage of atropine administered during EN and the duration of EN during atropinization in model 2 were not associated with feeding intolerance in patients on MV after OP poisoning.
Conclusion
Appropriate atropinization is not associated with feeding intolerance after EN provision in patients on MV after OP poisoning. This study will help establish nutritional guidelines for OP poisoning patients. More research on nutritional support is needed to validate our results.

Case Report

Pulmonary thromboembolism following organophosphate intoxication: a case report: Ji Ho Lee; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2023;21(1):64-67. Published online June 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2023.00002

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Abstract PDF: Various symptoms manifest after organophosphate intoxication due to muscarinic, nicotinic, and central nervous system effects. Complications are common, and morbidity occurs due to respiratory center depression, cardiovascular complications, aspiration pneumonia, general weakness, and neurological symptoms. Some studies have reported a statistically significant association between organophosphate intoxication and deep vein thrombosis. However, cases of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) resulting from organophosphate poisoning are very rare. A 45-year-old male patient was transferred to our hospital after ingesting an unknown amount of an insecticide and receiving 6 L of gastric lavage at a local hospital. Other than nausea, no symptoms (e.g., dyspnea) were present, but a hemodynamic test showed an elevated lactic acid level, and metabolic acidosis worsened over time. Accordingly, we conducted initial treatment including continuous renal replacement therapy. After 7 hours, the poisoning analysis result was confirmed, and lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos (0.441 µg/mL and 0.401 µg/mL, respectively) were detected. We introduced pralidoxime. Although no increase in pseudocholinesterase was found during hospitalization, continuous renal replacement therapy and pralidoxime were discontinued because the patient did not show symptoms of intermediate syndrome, including dyspnea and altered consciousness. The patient complained of abdominal pain on hospital day 8. Abdominal computed tomography was performed to evaluate the possibility of a corrosive injury to the stomach or esophagus, and we confirmed PTE. The D-dimer level was 1.96 mg/L (normal range, 0–0.55 mg/dL). A radiologic examination showed a PTE in the main pulmonary artery leading to the segmental pulmonary artery. After heparinization, the patient was discharged after being prescribed a vitamin K-independent oral anticoagulant. Through this case, we would like to emphasize the need for a thorough evaluation of clinical symptoms because atypical symptoms can occur after poisoning with organophosphate pesticides.

A case of severe organophosphate poisoning used a high-dose atropine: Hyoung Ju Lee, Dae Sik Moon, Young Yun Jung, June Seob Byun, Chong Myung Kim; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2022;20(1):25-30. Published online June 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2022.20.1.25

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Abstract PDF

In this study, we report the case of a 59-year-old male patient with organophosphate pesticide poisoning. He visited the local emergency medical center after ingesting 250 ml of organophosphate pesticide. The patient's symptoms improved after the initial intravenous infusion of pralidoxime 5 g and atropine 0.5 mg. However, 18 hours after admission, there was a worsening of the symptoms. A high dose of atropine was administered to improve muscarinic symptoms. A total dose of 5091.4 mg of atropine was used for 30 days, and fever and paralytic ileus appeared as side effects of atropine. Anticholinergic symptoms disappeared only after reducing the atropine dose, and the patient was discharged on the 35th day without any neurologic complications.

Citations

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The effects of case management program completion on suicide risk among suicide attempters: A 5-year observational study
Hyun Jo Shin, Gwan Jin Park, Yong Nam In, Sang Chul Kim, Hoon Kim, Suk Woo Lee
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.2019; 37(10): 1811. CrossRef

Inflammatory cytokines in patients with pesticide poisoning: a pilot study: Hyun Joon Kim, Wook-Joon Kim, Dong Wook Lee, Seung-Hyun Jung, Nam-Jun Cho, Samel Park, Eun Young Lee, Hyo-Wook Gil; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2022;20(1):15-21. Published online June 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2022.20.1.15

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Acute pesticide poisoning is lethal and can lead to death. A few studies about the effects of acute pesticide poisoning have focused on the immune system. In the current study, we preliminarily investigated the changes in blood inflammatory cytokine levels in acute pesticide poisoning patients. Methods: In this study, we prospectively investigated the inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. This study included patients admitted from February 2021 to November 2021 with a diagnosis of intentional poisoning by pesticide ingestion. The inflammatory cytokines measured were IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Results: Totally, 27 patients were enrolled in this study. The types of pesticide ingested were glufosinate (n=6), glyphosate (n=8), organophosphate (n=4), pyrethroid (n=2), and others (n=7). The levels of inflammatory cytokines obtained were as follows: IFN-γ 2.78±8.03 pg/ml, IL-1β 2.62±2.03 pg/ml, IL-6 44.58±80.16 pg/ml, and TNF-α 11.80±15.60 pg/ml. The overall mortality rate was 11.1% (3/27), and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the death group compared to the survival group. Conclusion: Increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were observed in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly higher in the death group as compared to the survival group. Our results indicate the occurrence of an inflammatory response due to the activation of immune cells by pesticide poisoning. Future large-scale studies need to be conducted to investigate the application of inflammatory cytokines as predictors and therapeutic targets.

Assessment and Methods of Nutritional Support during Atropinization in Organophosphate and Carbamate Poisoning Cases: Jong-uk Park, Young-gi Min, Sangcheon Choi, Dong-wan Ko, Eun Jung Park; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2020;18(2):123-129. Published online December 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2020.18.2.123

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Abstract PDF

Purpose: Atropine is an antidote used to relieve muscarinic symptoms in patients with organophosphate and carbamate poisoning. Nutritional support via the enteral nutrition (EN) route might be associated with improved clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. This study examined the administration of nutritional support in patients undergoing atropinization, including methods of supply, outcomes, and complications. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital from 2010 to 2018. Forty-five patients, who were administered with atropine and on mechanical ventilation (MV) due to organophosphate or carbamate poisoning, were enrolled. Results: Nutritional support was initiated on the third day of hospitalization. Thirty-three patients (73.3%) were initially supported using parenteral nutrition (PN). During atropinization, 32 patients (71.1%) received nutritional support via EN (9) or PN (23). There was no obvious reason for not starting EN during atropinization (61.1%). Pneumonia was observed in both patient groups on EN and PN (p=0.049). Patients without nutritional support had a shorter MV duration (p=0.034) than patients with nutritional support. The methods of nutritional support during atropinization did not show differences in the number of hospital days (p=0.711), MV duration (p=0.933), duration of ICU stay (p=0.850), or recovery at discharge (p=0.197). Conclusion: Most patients undergoing atropinization were administered PN without obvious reasons to preclude EN. Nutritional support was not correlated with the treatment outcomes or pneumonia. From these results, it might be possible to choose EN in patients undergoing atropinization, but further studies will be necessary.

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Enteral nutrition in mechanically ventilated patients after organophosphate poisoning
Sang U Bark, Jeong Mi Moon, Byeng Jo Chun
Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology.2024; 22(1): 1. CrossRef

Risk Factors to Predict Acute Respiratory Failure in Patients with Acute Pesticide Poisoning: Nam-Jun Cho, Samel Park, Eun Young Lee, Hyo-Wook Gil; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2020;18(2):116-122. Published online December 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2020.18.2.116

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Abstract PDF

Acute respiratory failure is an important risk factor for mortality in patients with acute pesticide poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the risk factors to predict respiratory failure in these patients. This study retrospectively investigated the clinical features of respiratory failure among patients with acute pesticide poisoning requiring mechanical ventilation. This study included patients who were admitted with intentional poisoning by pesticide ingestion from January 2017 to December 2019. Paraquat intoxication was excluded. Among 469 patients with acute pesticide poisoning, 398 patients were enrolled in this study. The respiratory failure rate was 30.4%. The rate of respiratory failure according to the type of pesticide was carbamate (75.0%), organophosphate (52.6%), glufosinate (52.1%), glyphosate (23%), pyrethroid (8.9%), and others (17%). The mortality was 25.6% in the respiratory failure group. The risk factors for respiratory failure were old age, low body mass index, and ingestion of more than 300 mL. In conclusion, respiratory failure is a risk factor for mortality in pesticide poisoning. Old age, low body mass index, and ingestion of more than 300 mL are the risk factors for predicting respiratory failure.

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The 2022 Annual Report on Toxicology Surveillance and Severe Poisoning Cases at Emergency Departments in Korea
Eun Sun Lee, Su Jin Kim, Gyu Chong Cho, Mi Jin Lee, Byung Hak So, Kyung Su Kim, Juhyun Song, Sung Woo Lee
Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology.2023; 21(1): 1. CrossRef
Machine Learning-Based Prediction Models of Acute Respiratory Failure in Patients with Acute Pesticide Poisoning
Yeongmin Kim, Minsu Chae, Namjun Cho, Hyowook Gil, Hwamin Lee
Mathematics.2022; 10(24): 4633. CrossRef

Comparison of Mortality Rate according to Hospital Level among Patients with Poisoning Based on Korean Health Insurance and Assessment Service: Soyoung Kim, Sangchun Choi, Hyuk-Hoon Kim, Hee Won Yang, Sangkyu Yoon; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2019;17(1):21-27. Published online June 30, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2019.17.1.21

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Mortality rate in the health services research field is frequently considered as a proxy for measuring healthcare quality. We compared the mortality rate and hospitalization levels among patients with poisoning. Methods: A population-based study of hospital size and level based on the Korean health insurance and assessment service was conducted to identify the impact of hospital level on patient mortality. Results: We analyzed a total of 16,416 patients, of which 7,607 were from tertiary hospitals, 8,490 were from general hospitals, and 319 were from hospitals. The highest mortality rate of diagnosis regarding poisoning was T60.31 (other herbicides and fungicides, 16%), followed by T60.0 (organophosphate and carbamate insecticides, 12.7%). There was no statistical difference in mortality among hospital levels for gender. Among age groups, tertiary hospitals had lower mortality than general hospitals and hospitals for patients aged more than 70 years (11.9% mortality at tertiary vs 14.2% at general and 23% at hospital; p=0.003, adjusted z score=-6.9), general hospitals had lower mortality than tertiary hospitals and hospitals for patients aged 18 to 29 (0.6% at general vs 2.4% at tertiary and 3.7% at hospital; p=0.01, adjusted z score=-4.3), and hospitals had lower mortality than tertiary hospitals and general hospitals for patients between 50 and 59 years of age (0% at hospital vs 6.4% at general and 8.3% at tertiary; p=0.004). Conclusion: Overall, there was no significant difference between mortality and hospital level among poisoned patients. However, to establish an efficient treatment system for patients with poisoning, further studies will be needed to identify the role of each facility according to hospital level.

Different Clinical Courses for Poisoning with WHO Hazard Class Ia Organophosphates EPN, Phosphamidon, and Terbufos in Humans: Jong Gu Mun, Jeong Mi Moon, Mi Jin Lee, Byeong Jo Chun; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2018;16(1):1-8. Published online June 30, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2018.16.1.1

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Extremely hazardous pesticides are classified as World Health Organization (WHO) hazard class Ia. However, data describing the clinical course of WHO class Ia OP (organophosphate) poisonings in humans are very scarce. Here, we compare the clinical features of patients who ingested hazard class Ia OPs. Methods: This retrospective observational case study included 75 patients with a history of ingesting ethyl p-nitrophenol thio-benzene phosphonate (EPN), phosphamidon, or terbufos. The patients were divided according to the chemical formulation of the ingested OP. Data regarding mortality and the development of complications were collected and compared among groups. Results: There were no differences in the baseline characteristics and severity scores at presentation between the three groups. No fatalities were observed in the terbufos group. The fatality rates in the EPN and phosphamidon groups were 11.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Patients poisoned with EPN developed respiratory failure later than those poisoned with phosphamidon and also tended to require longer mechanical ventilatory support than phosphamidon patients. The main cause of death was pneumonia in the EPN group and hypotensive shock in the phosphamidon group. Death occurred later in the EPN group than in the phosphamidon group. Conclusion: Even though all three drugs are classified as WHO class Ia OPs (extremely hazardous pesticides), their clinical courses and the related causes of death in humans varied. Their treatment protocols and predicted outcomes should therefore also be different based on the chemical formulation of the OP.

Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinales and Portomesenteric Venous Gas following Anticholinesterase Pesticide Poisoning: Suk Hee Lee, Kyung-Woo Lee, Jin Hee Jung; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2017;15(1):56-59. Published online June 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2017.15.1.56

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Abstract PDF: Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas are uncommon radiological findings, but are found commonly in cases of bowel ischemia, or as a result of various non-ischemic conditions. A 72-year-old man visited an emergency center with altered mental status 2 hours after ingestion of an unknown pesticide. On physical examination, he showed the characteristic hydrocarbon or garlic-like odor, miotic pupils with no response to light, rhinorrhea, shallow respiration, bronchorrhea, and sweating over his face, chest and abdomen. Laboratory results revealed decreased serum cholinesterase, as well as elevated amylase and lipase level. We made the clinical diagnosis of organophosphate poisoning in this patient based on the clinical features, duration of symptoms and signs, and level of serum cholinesterase. Activated charcoal, fluid, and antidotes were administered after gastric lavage. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen with intravenous contrast showed acute pancreatitis, poor enhancement of the small bowel, pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, portomesenteric venous gas and ascites. Emergent laparotomy could not be performed because of his poor physical condition and refusal of treatment by his family. The possible mechanisms were believed to be direct intestinal mucosal damage by pancreatic enzymes and secondary mucosal disruption due to bowel ischemia caused by shock and the use of inotropics. Physicians should be warned about the possibility of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis and portomesenteric venous gas as a complication of pancreatitis following anticholinesterase poisoning.

Implementing Best Practice in Critically Ill Organophosphate Poisoned Patient Through Simulation-Based Learning Program: Ji Hwan Lee, Sung Phil Chung, Hyun Soo Chung; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2017;15(1):31-39. Published online June 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2017.15.1.31

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Despite the clinical and socio-economic impact of acute poisoned patients, many of the treatments are not standardized in Korea. Moreover, no formal training that is specifically focused on clinical toxicology exists. Rather, training and education are conducted case by case in various institutions. This study was conducted to develop a standardized simulation-based clinical toxicology training curriculum for healthcare providers. This program will focus on specific assessment and treatment of critical toxicology patients, specifically those who have been poisoned with organophosphate. Methods: The study was performed using a pre- and post-design to determine the effects of implementation of this program. The study was conducted at eight different urban teaching hospitals in a simulated room in the clinical area. The study was targeted to 19 groups composed of emergency residents and nurses. Simulation-based learning was conducted for each group. Results: All 19 groups achieved the minimum passing score of 75%. Implementation of the program led to improved performance rates for overall management and cooperative moods competency (p<0.01). Inter-rater agreement between the two evaluators was excellent. In general, the participants thought the program was realistic and were able to recognize and improve the competencies needed to care for organophosphate poisoned patients. Conclusion: Simulation-based learning is an effective educational strategy that can be applied to improving and understanding proper care for rare but critical patients. This program was effective at improving team performance and cooperative moods when managing an organophosphate poisoned patient in the Emergency Department.

Hypoalbuminemia as a Predictor of 30-day Mortality in Patients with Acute Organophosphate Insecticide Poisoning: So Yeon Kim, Ryun Kyung Lee, Tae hu Kim, Dong Hoon Kim, Taeyun Kim, Soo Hoon Lee, Jin Hee Jeong, Sang Bong Lee, Changwoo Kang; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2017;15(1):11-16. Published online June 30, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2017.15.1.11

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: The association of hypoalbuminemia with 30-day in-hospital mortality in patients with organophosphate insecticide poisoning (OPI) was studied. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and November 2013 in the emergency department (ED) after OPI poisoning. A Kaplan-Meier 30-day survival curve and the log-rank test were used to analyze patients stratified according to serum albumin levels on ED admission (hypoalbuminemia or normo-albuminemia). Independent risk factors including hypoalbuminemia for 30-day mortality were determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 135 patients were included. Eighty-eight (65%) patients were male and the mean age was $57.3{pm}17.0$ years. Serum albumin, mean arterial pressure, and Glasgow coma scale score were significantly higher in the survival group than the non-survival group. APACHE II score was significantly lower in the non-survival group than the survival group. The mortality of the hypoalbuminemia group (serum albumin <3.5 g/dl) was 68.8%, while that of the normo-albuminemia group (serum albumin ${geq}3.5g/dl$) was 15.1%. The area under the ROC curve of the serum albumin level was 0.786 (95% CI, 0.690-0.881) and the APACHE II score was 0.840 (95% CI, 0.770-0.910). Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with 30-day mortality in patients with OPI poisoning.

Initial Blood Glucose Can Predict the Outcome of OP Poisoning: Sung Do Lee, Jeong Mi Moon, Byeong Jo Chun; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2015;13(2):55-61. Published online December 31, 2015

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Many studies have examined the mechanisms of impaired glucose homeostasis after organophosphate (OP) exposure, however no study has evaluated the clinical utility of blood glucose measurements in patients with OP poisoning. The current study was conducted to evaluate the initial glucose level at presentation and the glycemic variables during the first 3 days after admission as a predictor of mortality. Methods: This retrospective observational case series included 228 patients with a history of OP poisoning. Among other clinical data, information on the initial glucose level at presentation and mean glucose level, delta glucose level, and the presence of a hypoglycemic event during the first 3 days of admission, was collected. Results: Survivors had lower initial glucose levels at presentation and glucose variability during the first 3 days of admission compared to non-survivors. The frequency of hypoglycemic events was higher in non-survivors. In multivariate analysis, the initial glucose level (> 233 mg/dl) was an independent predictor of mortality, along with age. Conclusion: The initial glucose level at presentation can be helpful in prediction of mortality in cases of OP intoxication at bedside. The physician should pay attention to patients with a glucose level >233 mg/dl at presentation after ingestion of OP.

Evaluation of Cardiac Function by Transthoracic Echocardiography in Patients with Myocardial Injury Secondary to Organophosphate Poisoning: Yoonsuk Lee, Oh Hyun Kim, Hyung Il Kim, Kyoung Chul Cha, Hyun Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Sung Oh Hwang, Yong Sung Cha; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2015;13(2):62-70. Published online December 31, 2015

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Cardiac complications may occur in cases of organophosphate (OP) poisoning. However, a few studies regarding patterns of cardiac toxicity as determined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) after exposure to OP have been reported. In the current study, the authors examined cardiac functions using TTE in patients with myocardial injury caused by exposure to OP. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 16 consecutive cases of OP poisoning with myocardial injury (defined as elevated troponin I within 48 hours of arrival at the regional emergency center in South Korea and diagnosed and treated at the center from January 2012 to November 2014. Results: TTE was performed in 11 (69%) of the 16 patients with an elevated troponin I (TnI) level within 48 hours. Of these 11 patients, 5 patients (45.5%) exhibited reduced ejection fraction (EF), and 3 exhibited regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA). Two patients (18.2%) had both reduced systolic function and RWMA. Two of the 5 patients with reduced EF returned to normal systolic function, however two patients did not regain normal systolic function after admission. One patient expired due to multiple organ failure, and 4 patients were transferred with a moribund status. Twelve of 15 patients who survived to discharge (at 4 to 35 months) were followed. Five of these patients died during follow-up and 7 survived without further complications. Conclusion: OP can cause reversible cardiac dysfunction including reduced systolic function and RWMA. Serum TnI may be useful for initial assessment of cardiac function during the workup of patients suffering from OP poisoning. After the initial assessment of cardiac enzyme, further evaluation with TTE in patients with abnormal cardiac enzyme will be necessary to understand the cardiac toxicity.

Effect of Alcohol on Death Rate in Organophosphate Poisoned Patients: Yong Hun Min, Seung Min Park, Kui Ja Lee, Young Taeck Oh, Hee Cheol Ahn, You Dong Sohn, Ji Yun Ahn, Young Hwan Lee, Sang Ook Ha, Yu Jung Kim; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2015;13(1):19-24. Published online June 30, 2015

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Many patients who are acutely poisoned with organophosphorus pesticides have co-ingested alcohol. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence mortality in organophosphate intoxication and the differences between alcohol coingested patients and non-coingested patients, looking at vital signs, length of admission, cholinesterase activity, complications, and mortality. Methods: All patients visiting one Emergency Department (ED) with organophosphate intoxication between January 2000 and December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, alcohol coingested group and non-coingested group. Results: During the study period, 136 patients (alcohol coingested group, 95 patients; non-coingested group, 41 patients) presented to the ED with organophosphate intoxication. Seventy-one alcohol coingested patients (74.1%) vs. 16 non-coingested patients (39.0%) received endotracheal intubation, with results of the analysis showing a clear distinction between the two groups (p=0.001). Twenty-three alcohol coingested patients (24.2%) vs. 1 non-coingested patient (2.4%) required inotropics, indicating a significant gap (p=0.002). Twenty-eight alcohol coingested patients (29.5%) vs. 2 non-coingested patients (4.9%) died, with results of the analysis showing a clear distinction between the two groups (p=0.002). Conclusion: In cases of organophosphate intoxication, alcohol coingested patients tended to receive endotracheal intubation, went into shock, developed central nervous system complications, and more died.

Acute Pancreatitis after Carbamate Poisoning: Joseph Park, Yong Won Kim, Se Hyun Oh, Yong Sung Cha, Kyoung Chul Cha, Oh Hyun Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Sung Oh Hwang, Hyun Kim; J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2014;12(2):77-84. Published online December 31, 2014

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Abstract PDF: Purpose: Carbamate insecticides are potent cholinesterase inhibitors capable of causing severe cholinergic toxicity. Use of carbamate rather than organophosphate insecticides has been increasing. Compared with organophosphate poisoning, relatively few studies have investigated carbamate-associated acute pancreatitis. We investigated general characteristics and pancreatitis of carbamate poisoning and the predictors, among those readily assessed in the emergency department. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients, aged over 18 years, who were admitted between January 2008 and April 2012 to an emergency department (ED) of an academic tertiary care center for treatment of carbamate poisoning. Patients who exhibited poisoning by any other material, except alcohol, were excluded. After application of exclusion criteria, patients were divided according to carbamate-induced pancreatitis and non-pancreatitis groups. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in this study. Among these 41 patients, the prevalence of acute pancreatitis was 36.6% (15 patients). Initial blood chemistry tests showed a statistically higher glucose level in the pancreatitis group, compared with the non-pancreatitis group (222, IQR 189-284 vs. 137, IQR 122-175 mg/dL, P<0.05). Regarding clinical courses and outcomes, a significantly higher proportion of patients developed pneumonia [10 (66.7%) vs. 6 (23.1%), P<0.05] and had a longer hospital stay (7 days, IQR 6-12 vs. 5 days, IQR 2-11, P<0.05), but no difference in mortality, in the pancreatitis group vs. the non-pancreatitis group. In multivariate analysis, the initial glucose was showing significant association with the presentation of carbamate-induced acute pancreatitis (odds ratio 1.018, 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.035, P<0.05). Conclusion: Carbamate-induced acute pancreatitis is common, but not fatal. Initial serum glucose level is associated with acute pancreatitis.

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