Children's plasma cholinesterase activity and fatal methomyl poisoning.

There is a case of a couple who intentionally killed their children with methomyl insecticide. This was presented as our initial investigation of plasma cholinesterase (ChE) activity in Thai children. A hundred and five healthy Thai children 5-6 years of age, participated in the project. Their plasma was drawn to measure ChE activity. Mean +/- standard deviation of the children ChE was 7,417 +/- 1,620 U/L. The enzyme activity of the children was not significantly different between gender and parents' occupations. However, the mean of female ChE activity appeared to be lower than male ChE. Children whose parents were farmers appeared to have lower ChE activity than those whose parents were employees, merchants, government officers, unemployed parents, or private business owners. Two victims of child homicide were presented with ChE activity approximately 6 and 9 per cent of the average, considering healthy children. It was concluded that children's plasma ChE activity lower than 10 per cent of normal, could be a lethal indicator of anti-ChE insecticide poisoning.

Methamphetamine overdose and fatality : 2 cases report.

Methamphetamine abuse is an important problem in Thailand. The number of addicts and abusers is increasing. Abusers usually use speed pills by oral ingestion or inhalation. The dose used is about 5-60 mg of methamphetamine while the lethal dose reported is 200 mg. Death due to methamphetamine toxicity is uncommon. In this paper, we report two cases of methamphetamine fatalities. Both cases were drug dealers. They swallowed a handful of methamphetamine tablets while being arrested. The autopsy revealed nonspecific findings. Using thin layer chromatography technique, methamphetamine was detected in the urine, blood, stomach and liver of the corpses. This circumstance has been reported elsewhere and might be increased in Thailand as more speed pills are circulated in illegal markets.