Intermediate Syndrome Due to Organophosphate Poisoning: A Case Report.

Organophosphates, also known as phosphate esters, are a category of pesticide compounds that function by indirectly inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE). AChE is responsible for breaking down acetylcholine (ACh) at the neuromuscular junction into acetic acid and choline. These compounds cause various clinical presentations upon acute toxicity, among which intermediate syndrome (IMS) exhibits an unpredictable course. This report describes the case of a farmer who ingested monocrotophos and ethanol in a suicide attempt, leading to a prolonged stay in the hospital and invasive ventilation, along with complications including ventilator-associated pneumonia. The patient received a total of 9000 mg of atropine over his 14-day hospitalization period.

Current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent in patients with intentional acute pesticide poisoning.

Introduction: Since pesticides have been widely used in agricultural production, acute pesticide poisoning (APP) has gradually become a worldwide public health problem. Recently, the number of APP cases has been high in China, and the intentional self-administration of pesticides is the main cause of APP. However, there is a lack of relevant studies on the factors influencing suicidal intent in patients with intentional APP. This study aimed to explore the current situation and influencing factors for suicidal intent among patients with intentional APP. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled a total of 225 patients with intentional APP admitted to the emergency department of our Grade A comprehensive hospital in Shandong Province between June 2019 and January 2021. Patients were investigated using a health status interview questionnaire, Beck Suicidal Intent Scale, Duke Social Support Index, psychological stress scale, Dickman Impulsivity Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Beck Hopelessness Scale. Descriptive statistics, single-factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Results: Suicidal intent scores were collected and averaged (14.23 ± 6.22). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that marital status, residential area, impulsivity, hopelessness, depression, psychological strain, and social support impact suicidal intent. Conclusion: Patients with intentional APP have high suicidal intent. Therefore, different interventions should be tailored to different patients.

Predictors of mortality in emergency centre patients with acute pesticide poisoning in Uganda.

Introduction: Although the global suicide deaths due to intentional pesticide poisoning disproportionately occur in low income countries (LIC) and lower to middle income Countries (LMIC), there is a scarcity of reports on emergency centre (EC) mortality and its predictors in these settings. Our goal was to determine the case fatality rate of Acute Pesticide Poisoning (APP) presenting to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) EC and find out whether initial triage category predicted mortality in these patients. Methods: This was a prospective observational longitudinal study. Patients presenting with APP were enrolled using data collection forms. Data collected included initial triage category, vital signs, demographics, initial assessment, and management. They were followed up for 1 week. Results: Out of 66 patients admitted with suspected pesticide poisoning, 61 had complete follow up during the study period. However, only 58 patients had the pesticide ingested confirmed. These were predominantly males 48 (73%) and farmers 28(42%) with a median age of 23 years (IQR 18-31). Majority of patients 58 (88%) were suicide attempts and had ingested mostly organophosphates 23 (35%), amitraz 11(17%), zinc phosphide 7(10%), and aluminium phosphide 4(6%). The median time from ingestion to presentation was 4hours (IQR 2.5-8). More than half 41(62%) of the patients were in the red triage category (ESI-1). The overall case fatality rate of APP was 18%. Majority of patients who died were in the red triage category but the initial triage category was not significantly associated with mortality (p=0.381). Male gender (p=0.018), time of admission (p= 0.037), and triage vitals including hypothermia (p=0.020), hypoxia (p= 0.004), hypotension (p= 0.031), and tachypnea (p= 0.031) were significantly associated with mortality. Discussion: Although initial triage category was a poor predictor, triage vital signs, gender, and time of admission were significantly associated with mortality in patients with APP.

Neurological Sequela of Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Adults in Central Taiwan.

Background and Purpose: Cases of acute pesticide poisoning account for significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries; however, its burden in Taiwan remains unknown. The study examined acute pesticide poisoning (APP) involving adults in the central region of Taiwan, which is a mainly agricultural sub-urban area. Methods: The retrospective study evaluated the outcome and neurological sequelae of patients with APP in a Taiwanese cohort between April 2002 and February 2019. The pesticides were classified according to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee Mode of Action (MoA) classification. The clinical characteristics, duration of hospitalization (days), follow-up duration (years), in-hospital mortality, neurological sequela, and imaging findings were recorded. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: We identified 299 patients with APP comprising 206 (68.9%) adult men with a mean exposure age of 56.4 ± 16.8 years. Paraquat, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carmabates, and phosphinic acid were the most commonly known reported poisoning agents. The mortality rate was highest in users with paraquat (77.1%), followed by phosphinic acid (22.2%), carbamates (16.7%), and organophosphates (15.8%). After a mean follows up of 3.69 ± 2.26 years, the most common neurological sequela was a cognitive decline (56 among 225 survivors, 24.89%), peripheral neuropathy (11 among 225 survivors, 4.89%), tremor (10 among 225 survivors, 4.44%), ataxia (3/225, 1.33%), and parkinsonism feature (2/225, 0.89%). Brain imaging studies revealed basal ganglion lesions on CT or hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI images in 26 among 46 patients (56.5%). The basal ganglion lesions on brain imaging had a positive correlation with neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Acute pesticide poisoning (APP)-related mortality is high especially paraquat intoxication, and cognitive decline, as well as peripheral neuropathy, were the most common neurological sequelae among survivors, which is highly correlated with basal ganglia lesions on brain imaging.

Estruturação das informações sobre intoxicações agudas por agrotóxicos no estado da Bahia, utilizando o Caderno de Monitoramento e Avaliação da Atenção Básica ­ CAMAB / Structuring information on acute poisoning by pesticides in the state of Bahia using the primary care monitoring and evaluation booklet / Estructuración de información sobre intoxicaciones agudas por plaguicidas en el estado de bahía (brasil) utilizando el Cuaderno de Evaluación y Seguimiento de Atención Primaria ­ CAMAB

A partir de 2008, o Brasil tornou-se o maior consumidor de agrotóxicos do mundo, mantendo-se nessa posição desde essa época. A Bahia, por sua vez, situou-se, em 2014, como o oitavo estado brasileiro de maior comercialização de agrotóxicos e o primeiro da região Nordeste. Nesse contexto, não surpreende que o agrotóxico seja a terceira maior causa de intoxicação no país e no estado. Apesar da gravidade da situação, a Bahia tem poucas informações sistematizadas sobre agrotóxicos. Os conhecimentos existentes encontram-se dispersos em diversas áreas do setor da saúde e em outros setores. Nesse sentido, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma ferramenta que disponibiliza informações estruturadas e de fácil acesso aos profissionais de saúde, gestores e comunidade, possibilitando a eles o conhecimento sobre a distribuição dos casos de intoxicação aguda por agrotóxico por macrorregiões, regiões de saúde e municípios. Trata-se do Caderno de Avaliação e Monitoramento da Atenção Básica (Camab), elaborado pela Coordenação de Avaliação e Monitoramento (Coam) da Diretoria de Atenção Básica (DAB) e divulgado no site da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado da Bahia. A elaboração do Camab foi uma estratégia importante para dar maior visibilidade às questões relacionadas aos agrotóxicos no âmbito da DAB e, consequentemente, nos municípios por ela apoiados. Por fim, acredita-se que o acesso a informações em tempo hábil contribui para o fortalecimento da vigilância e o desenvolvimento das ações de promoção da saúde e prevenção de agravos junto às populações expostas ao potencial risco de intoxicação por agrotóxicos.

From 2008 onwards, Brazil became the world's largest consumer of pesticides. Moreover, Bahia was ranked the eighth Brazilian state with the largest pesticide commercialization in 2014 and the first in the Northeast Region ­ so that, not surprisingly, pesticides are the third leading cause of poisoning in the country and state. Despite the severity of the situation, information on pesticides are little systematized in Bahia, and the available information is dispersed across different health sectors as well as in other fields. This study aims to present a tool that provides structured and easily accessible information on cases of acute pesticide poisoning by macro-regions, health regions, and municipalities to health professionals, managers, and the overall community: the Primary Care Monitoring and Evaluation Booklet (CAMAB). Prepared by the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordination (COAM) of the Primary Care Board (DAB) and published on the website of the Health Department of the State of Bahia, the CAMAB was an important strategy to give greater visibility to pesticide-related issues within the scope of DAB and municipalities supported by it. Timely access to information contributes to the strengthening of surveillance and the development of actions aimed at promoting health and preventing diseases together with populations exposed to the potential risk of poisoning by pesticides.

Desde 2008, Brasil se convirtió en el mayor consumidor de plaguicidas del mundo y ha mantenido esta posición. El estado brasileño de Bahía, en 2014, se ubicó en el octavo puesto con mayor comercialización de plaguicidas y en el primer de la región Nordeste. En este contexto, no es de extrañar que los plaguicidas sean la tercera causa principal de intoxicación en el país y el estado. A pesar de la gravedad de la situación, existe poca información sistematizada sobre plaguicidas en Bahía. Los datos existentes están dispersos en varias áreas del sector salud y en otros sectores. En este sentido, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una herramienta que brinde información estructurada y de fácil acceso a los profesionales de la salud, los gestores y la comunidad, que les permita conocer la distribución de los casos de intoxicación aguda por plaguicidas por macrorregiones, regiones sanitarias y municipios. Se trata del Cuaderno de Evaluación y Seguimiento de Atención Primaria (Camab), elaborado por la Coordinación de Evaluación y Seguimiento (Coam) de la Junta de Atención Primaria (DAB) y publicado en la página web de la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Bahía. La elaboración del Camab fue una estrategia importante para dar mayor visibilidad a los temas relacionados con plaguicidas en el ámbito de la DAB y, en consecuencia, en los municipios apoyados por la misma. Finalmente, el acceso oportuno a la información debe de contribuir al fortalecimiento de la vigilancia y al desarrollo de acciones de promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedades junto con las poblaciones expuestas al riesgo potencial de intoxicación por plaguicidas.

Acute pesticide poisoning amongst adolescent girls and women in northern Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is reported to affect community health worldwide but its burden in Tanzania is unknown particularly in women. This study examines APP involving adult females and adolescent girls 10 to 19 years in 3 regions of Tanzania which are famous for coffee and vegetable production. METHODS: Over the period of 12 months, health facility-based surveillance for cases of APP was implemented in 10 Tanzanian healthcare facilities in 2006. RESULTS: The study identified 108 APP cases of whom 31 (28.7%) occurred amongst adolescent girls. Suicide was the leading poisoning circumstances (60.2%) and the most vulnerable women were 20-29 years old who comprised 38.4% of all cases with suicide as circumstance. Organophosphates (OPs), zinc phosphide, paraquat and endosulfan were common amongst known reported poisoning agents. The annual APP incidence, mortality and Case Fatality Rate for women were 5.1/100,000, 0.2/100,000 and 3.7/100, respectively. CONCLUSION: APP amongst women in Tanzania is common and this call for diverse preventive interventions to reduce poisoning incidents.

Prevalence of Acute Pesticide Poisoning among Pesticide Applicators in Cardamom Plantations: A Cross-Sectional Study from Idukki District, Kerala.

BACKGROUND: Pesticide poisoning is a burning occupational health issue across the world. The pesticide use in the cardamom plantations of Idukki district, Kerala, India is one of the world's highest. However, limited studies addressed its ill effects on the health of pesticide applicators. AIMS: To assess the magnitude of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) among pesticide applicators and understand the nature of severity based on their occupational characteristics. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018. A total of 300 pesticide applicators with minimum 1-year experience (79.3% males) were selected from 30 randomly selected cardamom plantations in Udumbanchola Taluk. METHODS: WHO Field Surveys of Exposure to Pesticides Standard Protocol and Murphy's method of Farmer Self-Surveillance system of pesticide poisoning were used for assessing pesticide exposure and APP, respectively. Statistical analysis used: Descriptive (frequencies) and exploratory statistical analyses (Pearson's Chi-square test) were done using IBM SPSS 23.0. RESULTS: The prevalence of APP in this study was 100% as all the pesticide applicators reported at least one sign and/or symptom of APP. The mild APP was more prevalent (80.7%), followed by moderate (18.7) and severe (0.60). Decrease in duration and frequency of spraying, use of motor pump sprayer, safe storage and disposal of pesticides, and proper personal hygiene were found to reduce the severity of APP. CONCLUSION: All the pesticide applicators in cardamom plantations of Idukki are at risk of APP. It is important to train them about the measures to prevent the same.

Evaluating a South African mobile application for healthcare professionals to improve diagnosis and notification of pesticide poisonings.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health is a fast-developing field. The use of mobile health applications by healthcare professionals (HCPs) globally has increased considerably. While several studies in high income countries have investigated the use of mobile applications by HCPs in clinical practice, few have been conducted in low- and middle-income countries. The University of Cape Town developed a pesticide notification guideline which has been adapted and embedded into a South African Essential Medical Guidance mobile application. This study evaluated the usefulness of the guideline within a mobile application for improving the ability of HCPs to diagnose and notify on acute pesticide poisonings (APPs). METHODS: A descriptive online questionnaire, with 15 open- and 20 closed-ended questions, was completed by 50 South African emergency medicine physicians and registrars (i.e. medical doctors training as specialists) between December 2015 to February 2016. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate response frequencies and percentages using SPSS version 23. Texts from the open-ended questions were thematically analysed. Fisher's exact test was applied to determine associations. RESULTS: A significant association was found between participants' knowledge that APP is a notifiable condition, and ever reporting the poisoning to the National Department of Health (p = 0.005). Thirty four percent of the participants were aware of the guideline within the Essential Medical Guidance application despite only seven participants having used it. Those who used the guideline found it provided useful information for the identification of unlabelled pesticides products and promoted reporting these cases to the National Department of Health for surveillance purposes. In addition, it appeared to facilitate the prompt diagnosis and treatment of APP cases, and most intended to continue using it for training and educational purposes. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile health applications appear to support overburdened medical education programmes and promote better patient care. However, since most participants were not aware of the existence of the pesticide guideline within the studied essential medicine application, there is potential for the use of healthcare applications to play a more central role in healthcare systems and medical training. Furthermore, the field of medical informatics could support HCPs through mobile applications in improving reporting of APP.

Analysis of structural equation modeling on influencing factors for patients with deliberated acute pesticide poisoning / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To explore the influencing factors of deliberated acute pesticide poisoning (APP), so as to provide prevention and health promotion for the disease. Methods The deliberated APP patients related factors questionnaire was used to investigate deliberated APP and non-deliberated APP patients. The data was analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling. Results APP was directly affected by cognitive factors, psychological factors and social environment factors. Their standardized regression coefficients were -0.831, -0.752 and -0.469 respectively. Cognitive factors had a direct effect on psychological factors and social environment factors. APP was affected indirectly by cognitive deviation, absolutization, copying manner, social support, pesticide management and negative life events. Their standardized regression coefficients were 0.757, 0.541, 0.773, 0.576, 0.824 and 0.782, respectively. Conclusions Paying attention to the influencing factors for deliberated APP patients, improving sociological influencing factors, improving coping style and provide social support and strengthen pesticide management is benefided to reduce the incidence of APP.

Neurobehavioural symptoms and acute pesticide poisoning: a cross-sectional study among male pesticide applicators selected from three commercial farming systems in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate prevalence of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) and its association with neurobehavioural symptoms in Ethiopian pesticide applicators. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional survey among 256 pesticide applicators from small-scale irrigated farms, a large-scale open farm and large-scale greenhouses. APP was ascertained using a modified WHO case definition, and neurobehavioural symptoms were collected with a standardised questionnaire (Q16). Exposure to pesticides was estimated using detailed exposure algorithms specifically developed for Ethiopian farms. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate risk of APP and its association with neurobehavioural symptoms. RESULTS: Overall APP prevalence was 16%. Working as an applicator in greenhouses was strongly associated with APP (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.54). Estimated annual pesticide exposure was also associated with APP (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20). Longer duration of employment appeared to be negatively associated with APP. Having had an APP was strongly associated with reporting more neurobehavioural symptoms (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.01 to 4.58) independent of cumulative pesticide exposure. Cumulative exposure to pesticides appeared to be associated with neurobehavioural symptoms among applicators without and with APP. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a substantial prevalence of APP that differed between farming systems and was strongly associated with neurobehavioural symptoms. Intensity of exposure was also clearly associated with these symptoms. Reduction and control of occupational exposure to pesticides is urgently needed in Ethiopia.

Urine Methyl Hippuric Acid Levels in Acute Pesticide Poisoning: Estimation of Ingested Xylene Volume and Association with Clinical Outcome Parameters.

To determine the relationship between the oral ingestion volume of xylene and methyl hippuric acid (MHA) in urine, we measured MHA in 11 patients whose ingested xylene volume was identified. The best-fit equation between urine MHA and ingested amount of xylene was as follows: y (ingested amount of xylene, mL/kg) = -0.052x² + 0.756x (x = MHA in urine in g/g creatinine). From this equation, we estimated the ingested xylene volume in 194 patients who had ingested pesticide of which the formulation was not available. Our results demonstrated that oxadiazole, dinitroaniline, chloroacetamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid were xylene-containing pesticide classes, while the paraquat, glyphosate, glufosinate, synthetic auxin, fungicide, neonicotinoid, and carbamate classes were xylene-free pesticides. Sub-group univariate analysis showed a significant association between MHA levels in urine and ventilator necessity in the pyrethroid group. However, this association was not observed in the organophosphate group. Our results suggest that MHA in urine is a surrogate marker for xylene ingestion, and high urine MHA levels may be a risk factor for poor clinical outcome with some pesticide poisoning.

Effects of Teaching Health Care Workers on Diagnosis and Treatment of Pesticide Poisonings in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Acute pesticide poisoning in developing countries is a considerable problem, requiring diagnosis and treatment. This study describes how training of health care workers in Uganda affects their ability to diagnose and manage acute pesticide poisoning. METHOD: A postintervention cross-sectional study was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 326 health care workers in Uganda were interviewed on knowledge and handling of acute pesticide poisoning. Of those, 173 health care workers had received training, whereas 153 untrained health care workers from neighboring regions served as controls. RESULTS: Trained health care workers scored higher on knowledge of pesticide toxicity and handling of acute pesticide poisoning. Stratification by sex, profession, experience, and health center level did not have any influence on the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Training health care workers can improve their knowledge and treatment of pesticide poisonings. Knowledge of the subject is still insufficient among health care workers and further training is needed.

Reportes al Centro Nacional de Toxicología de mujeres en edad fértil expuestas a plaguicidas / Reports to the National Center for Toxicology of women of childbearing age exposed to pesticides

Introducción: el amplio uso de los plaguicidas químicos en la agricultura propicia la exposición semejante de mujeres y hombres a estos productos. Los riesgos por exposición a plaguicidas, tales como los de toxicidad aguda y crónica, efectos inmunológicos, hormonales, endocrinos y sobre la reproducción, no han recibido atención suficiente a nivel mundial. Objetivo: caracterizar los reportes al Centro Nacional de Toxicología de mujeres en edad fértil expuestas a plaguicidas entre 2009 y 2013. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional en una serie de 402 mujeres, se analizaron las variables edad, circunstancia, gravedad de la intoxicación y tipo de pesticida. Resultados: las mujeres en edad fértil atendidas representaron la mitad del total de expuestas, con edad promedio de 30,3 años, la mayor incidencia fue de los eventos leves con fines suicidas. Los plaguicidas más involucrados pertenecen al grupo otros/varios. Conclusiones: las mujeres más afectadas fueron las del grupo 12 a 24 años de edad, con intoxicaciones intencionales suicidas de leve intensidad, ocasionadas por plaguicidas del grupo otros/varios(AU)

Introduction: The widespread use of chemical pesticides in agriculture lead to similar exposure of women and men to these products. Risks from exposure to pesticides, such as acute and chronic toxicity, immunological, hormonal, endocrine and reproductive effects, have not received sufficient global attention. Objective: Characterize the reports to the National Center for Toxicology of women of childbearing age exposed to pesticides between years 2009 and 2013. Methods: An observational study was conducted in a sample of 402 women, in which the following variables were studied; age, circumstance, severity of intoxication and type of pesticide. Results: Women of childbearing age accounted for half of the total number of patients exposed, with a mean age of 30,3 years, with milder events being suicidal. The pesticides most involved belong to the group others/various. Conclusions: The most affected women were those in the 12 to 24 years of age, with intentional poisonings of mild intensity caused by pesticides of the group others/various(AU)

Urine Methyl Hippuric Acid Levels in Acute Pesticide Poisoning: Estimation of Ingested Xylene Volume and Association with Clinical Outcome Parameters

To determine the relationship between the oral ingestion volume of xylene and methyl hippuric acid (MHA) in urine, we measured MHA in 11 patients whose ingested xylene volume was identified. The best-fit equation between urine MHA and ingested amount of xylene was as follows: y (ingested amount of xylene, mL/kg) = −0.052x² + 0.756x (x = MHA in urine in g/g creatinine). From this equation, we estimated the ingested xylene volume in 194 patients who had ingested pesticide of which the formulation was not available. Our results demonstrated that oxadiazole, dinitroaniline, chloroacetamide, organophosphate, and pyrethroid were xylene-containing pesticide classes, while the paraquat, glyphosate, glufosinate, synthetic auxin, fungicide, neonicotinoid, and carbamate classes were xylene-free pesticides. Sub-group univariate analysis showed a significant association between MHA levels in urine and ventilator necessity in the pyrethroid group. However, this association was not observed in the organophosphate group. Our results suggest that MHA in urine is a surrogate marker for xylene ingestion, and high urine MHA levels may be a risk factor for poor clinical outcome with some pesticide poisoning.

The use of self-reported symptoms as a proxy for acute organophosphate poisoning after exposure to chlorpyrifos 50% plus cypermethrin 5% among Nepali farmers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies stating a high prevalence of occupational acute pesticide poisoning in developing countries have mainly relied on measurements of the rather non-specific self-reported acute pesticide poisoning symptoms. Only a few studies have measured the biomarker plasma cholinesterase (PchE) activity, in addition to the symptoms, when assessing occupational acute pesticide poisoning. This study evaluated self-reported symptoms as a proxy for acute organophosphate poisoning among Nepali farmers by examining self-reported acute organophosphate poisoning symptoms and PchE activity in response to occupational acute organophosphate exposure. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial among 42 Nepali commercial vegetable farmers. The farmers were randomly assigned (ratio 1:1) to a 2-h organophosphate (chlorpyrifos 50% plus cypermethrin 5%: moderately hazardous) spray session or a 2-h placebo spray session, and after 7 days' washout, the farmers were assigned to the other spray session. Before and after each spray session farmers were interviewed about acute organophosphate poisoning symptoms and PchE activity was measured. Analyses were conducted with a Two Sample T-test and Mann Whitney U-test. RESULTS: We found no difference in the symptom sum or PchE activity from baseline to follow up among farmers spraying with organophosphate (symptom sum difference -1, p = 0.737; PchE mean difference 0.02 U/mL, p = 0.220), placebo (symptom sum difference 9, p = 0.394; PchE mean difference 0.02 U/mL, p = 0.133), or when comparing organophosphate to placebo (symptom p = 0.378; PchE p = 0.775). However, a high percentage of the farmers reported having one or more symptoms both at baseline and at follow up in the organophosphate spray session (baseline 47.6%, follow up 45.2%) and placebo spray session (baseline 35.7%, follow up 50.0%), and 14.3% of the farmers reported three or more symptoms after the organophosphate spray session as well as after the placebo spray session. CONCLUSION: We found a general presence of acute organophosphate symptoms among the farmers regardless of organophosphate exposure or poisoning. Thus, self-reported acute organophosphate symptoms seem to be a poor proxy for acute organophosphate poisoning as the occurrence of these symptoms is not necessarily associated with acute organophosphate poisoning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02838303 . Registered 19 July 2016. Retrospectively registered.

Undereporting of acute pesticide poisoning in Tanzania: modelling results from two cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is known to cause serious injuries to end users globally but the magnitude of this problem in Tanzania is not well known. This study aimed to determine the extent and pattern of underreporting of APP in Tanzania to inform the development of a surveillance system and appropriate interventions. METHODS: This study integrates findings from two recent Tanzanian studies. A household survey established the proportion of poisoned farmers in a typical rural area who reported to hospital for a pesticide poisoning. Only 5 of the 112 farmers who reported attending hospital due to poisonings could be traced in medical records at the facilities they claimed to have attended. The 95% confidence interval for this ratio (5/112) was used to generate a high and low boundary for the estimates. Three under-estimation factors were generated for sensitivity analysis to adjust for under-reporting. A review of health facilities in three regions of Tanzania collected prospective data on admissions for APP in 2006 to generate population-based APP incidence rates stratified by circumstances of poisoning (occupational, accidental, suicide, and unknown). Sensitivity analysis was conducted involving adjustment for high and low boundaries of the under-reporting of occupational APP and an adjustment for different scenario allocations of cases with 'unknown' circumstances to different combinations of known circumstances. RESULTS: The study estimated the rate of occupational poisoning as ranging from 11.3-37.7 cases/million to 84.3-279.9 cases per million. The rate of all poisonings (occupational and non-occupational) ranged from 24.45-48.01 cases per million to 97.37-290.29 cases per million. Depending on the choice of scenario and under-reporting correction factor used, occupational APP could comprise from 52.2 to 96% of all APP cases. CONCLUSION: The study confirms that data on APP in Tanzanian hospitals are poorly reported and that occupational circumstances are particularly overlooked in routine facility-based surveillance. Occupational APP needs to be taken more seriously in addressing prevention measures. A comprehensive surveillance system for APP should consider multiple data sources including community self-reporting in order to achieve better coverage.

Is prevention of acute pesticide poisoning effective and efficient, with Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment? A randomized crossover study among farmers in Chitwan, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Farmers' risk of pesticide poisoning can be reduced with personal protective equipment but in low-income countries farmers' use of such equipment is limited. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness and efficiency of Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment to reduce organophosphate exposure among farmers. METHODS: In a crossover study, 45 male farmers from Chitwan, Nepal, were randomly allocated to work as usual applying organophosphate pesticides wearing Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment or Daily Practice Clothing. For seven days before each experiment, each farmer abstained from using pesticides. Before and after organophosphate application, an interview surveys and blood tests were carried out, and analyzed with paired t-test, frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: The difference between follow-up mean for acute organophosphate poisoning symptoms in the two groups was 0.13 [95% CI -0.22;0.49] and for plasma cholinesterase (U/ml) -0.03 [95% CI -0.11;0.06]. The difference between follow-up mean minus baseline mean for acute organophosphate poisoning symptoms in the two groups was 0.29 [95% CI -0.26;0.84] and for plasma cholinesterase (U/ml) -0.01 [95% CI --0.08;0.06]. Wearing the Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment versus Daily Practice Clothing gave the following results, respectively: comfort 75.6% versus 100%, sense of heat 64.4% versus 31.3%, other problems 44.4% versus 33.3%, likeability 95.6% versus 77.8%. CONCLUSION: We cannot support the expectation that our farmers in Chitwan, Nepal working with Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment would have fewer acute organophosphate poisoning symptoms, higher plasma cholinesterase (U/mL) and find it more efficient to work with the equipment than farmers working with their Daily Practice Clothing. Based on the farmers' working behavior, compounds used, intensity and exposure duration we conclude that Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment does not provide additional protection during usual work practices. However, our Locally Adapted Personal Protective Equipment might offer protection from (certain) accidental overexposure. Trial Registration NCT02137317.

Intoxicaciones agudas por plaguicidas consultadas al Centro Nacional de Toxicología durante el bienio 2007-2008 / Acute pesticide poisoning assited at the National Toxicology Centre from 2007-2008

Las intoxicaciones agudas por plaguicidas ocupan un lugar importante, precedidas solo por las reportadas por alimentos y medicamentos. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar las intoxicaciones por plaguicidas consultadas al Centro Nacional de Toxicología en La Habana. Es un informe sobre los resultados de las 627 consultas atendidas a través del servicio de urgencia del centro durante el período 2007-2008. Se tuvieron en cuenta factores clínico epidemiológicos, como edad, sexo, circunstancias del evento, provincia de procedencia, fecha de ocurrencia y tipo de agente involucrado en el evento. Predominaron los intoxicados adultos, hombres y de circunstancia intencional, comúnmente por insecticidas organofosforados en las provincias La Habana y Holguín, con notificación uniforme de casos durante el período excepto en Holguín en abril por intoxicación masiva ocurrida en ese territorio.

Acute pesticide poisonings have an important place, preceded only by food and medicine reported. The objective of this work is to characterize pesticide poisoning assisted at the National Poison Control Center in Havana. This is a report on the study results of 627 cases treated at the emergency service center from 2007-2008. Clinical epidemiological factors were considered, such as age, sex, circumstances of the event, province of origin, date of occurrence and type of agent involved in the event. Intoxicated male adults predominated, as well as intentional circumstances by organophosphate insecticides poisoning in Havana and Holguin provinces. Uniform reporting of cases during the period was performed except in Holguín in April due to mass poisoning occurred in that territory.

Intoxicaciones agudas por plaguicidas consultadas al Centro Nacional de Toxicología durante el bienio 2007-2008 / Acute pesticide poisoning assited at the National Toxicology Centre from 2007-2008

Las intoxicaciones agudas por plaguicidas ocupan un lugar importante, precedidas solo por las reportadas por alimentos y medicamentos. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar las intoxicaciones por plaguicidas consultadas al Centro Nacional de Toxicología en La Habana. Es un informe sobre los resultados de las 627 consultas atendidas a través del servicio de urgencia del centro durante el período 2007-2008. Se tuvieron en cuenta factores clínico epidemiológicos, como edad, sexo, circunstancias del evento, provincia de procedencia, fecha de ocurrencia y tipo de agente involucrado en el evento. Predominaron los intoxicados adultos, hombres y de circunstancia intencional, comúnmente por insecticidas organofosforados en las provincias La Habana y Holguín, con notificación uniforme de casos durante el período excepto en Holguín en abril por intoxicación masiva ocurrida en ese territorio(AU)

Acute pesticide poisonings have an important place, preceded only by food and medicine reported. The objective of this work is to characterize pesticide poisoning assisted at the National Poison Control Center in Havana. This is a report on the study results of 627 cases treated at the emergency service center from 2007-2008. Clinical epidemiological factors were considered, such as age, sex, circumstances of the event, province of origin, date of occurrence and type of agent involved in the event. Intoxicated male adults predominated, as well as intentional circumstances by organophosphate insecticides poisoning in Havana and Holguin provinces. Uniform reporting of cases during the period was performed except in Holgu¦n in April due to mass poisoning occurred in that territory(AU)

The use of pesticides and acute pesticide poisoning among flower planters in My Tan commune, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province, 2006

Background: Pesticides have been used widely in not only around the world but also Vietnam; however, their misuse can cause many serious health problems. For this reasons, it is necessary to closely monitor the use of pesticides and their effects on the health of farmers. Objectives: To describe the kinds of pesticides, the symptoms and related factors of acute pesticide poisoning among flowers planters. Subjects and method: A cross-sectional analytic design was applied with a sample of 107 households in the Hong Ha 1 and Hong Ha 2 village of My Tan commune, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province from November 2005 to February 2006. \r\n', u'Results: There were various types of pesticide that were being sprayed in the flower planting villages. Almost all types were moderately hazardous. 85% of farmers experienced at least 1 symptom of acute poisoning after spraying pesticides. The most common symptoms were headache, dizziness, rash (accounting for 45-58%), followed by red eyes and musculoskeletal symptoms (approximate 40%). The effects of pesticides to the farmer\u2019s health were proved with the typical symptoms of toxicity, especially headache, irritation of the face, red eyes. The percentages of self-reported toxicity symptoms were associated with sex, age groups, following manual and pesticide exposure. Conclusion: The results suggested that various interventions is required in order to change the knowledge, attitude and practice of pesticide use among farmers in general and flowers planters in particularly.\r\n', u'