RESUMO
Background Aims: To establish and validate the method used to analyze cholinesterase in blood and to establish a baseline level among Jordanians living in a heavy agricultural activity area and as well as among those living in an urban non-agricultural area
Materials and Methods: Modified Ellman procedure was used to analyze 851 and 1033 blood samples from heavy agricultural activity and urban area for cholinesterase activity in erythrocytes and Plasma
Results: sample collected from heavy agricultural activity showed low cholinesterase level average 1037U/L +/- 279 and 23 U/gHb +/- 7.9 compared with urban area average 1616 U/L +/- 662 and 31 U/gHb +/- 13 for plasma and erythrocyte respectively. The levels in workers living in heavy agriculture activity showed 52% inhibition in plasma and 41.1% in erythrocyte when compared to the established normal levels that were observed in urban area
Conclusions: Clinicians using cholinesterase for clinical diagnosis and management should be aware that baseline levels are different according to the residence of their patients
RESUMO
Several studies have demonstrated that alcohol and psychoactive drugs consumption are important risk factors underlying fatal accidents. This paper presents a prospective and a pilot study for toxicological findings in road traffic accident fatality victims within the northern district of Amman in order to have an overall picture of the occurrence of these substances in the victims in Jordan. Over a two-year period [2004-2005], 400 autopsies were conducted at Jordan University Hospital in which 94 [23.5%] were road traffic accident fatality victims. Biological specimens from these victims were collected. Toxicology screens for psychoactive drugs and alcohol were conducted on these specimens and the results were analyzed according to age, sex, and victim's status. The data showed that ethanol and psychoactive drugs were positive in 72.3%, n = 68 and for ethanol alone 23.4%, n = 22. The majority of victims were the driver [n = 29] and the highest percentage of positive findings occurred among them [20.2%, n=19] Males in the age group 19-29 were mostly involved [35.7%]. Detected psychoactive drugs were benzodiazepines, opioids, barbiturates and anti-depressants. None of the collected specimens were positive for illicit cocaine, amphetamines, or cannabis. The results of this study documented the presence of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in road traffic accident victims which could have some association between the uses of these substances and the accident involvement. However, due to some limitations, conclusions require further data collections, cooperation with related parties in Jordan, and utilizing simple and extended toxicological screens