Observation on a human intentional poisoning case by the organophosphorus inserticide fenthion / Observaciones sobre un caso humano de envenenamiento intencional por el insecticida órgano fosforado fention

RESUMO

A case of acute poisoning by oral ingestion of fenthion is reportd. Plasma cholinesterase activity and fenthion whole blood concentration were throughly evaluated during the therapeutic intervention that consisted in administration of atropine, toxogonine and fresh plasma. Correlation studies between clinical signs, cholinesterase activity and fenthion levels revealed that pChE activity was not as helpful as the patient's clinical status in determining when the atropine infusion could be stopped. Morever pChE was also useless in signaling sudden relapses. It is concluded, based on this case, that supportive care combined with antidotal therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment specially in severe acute poisoning cases