Clinical, laboratory and epidemiological study of acute suicidal ingestion of different types of herbicides in patients admitted in health care hospital

Abstract

Background: Herbicide is any chemical that regulates growth of a plant which encompasses a number of xenobiotics of varying characteristics, they are used for destruction of plants in home, agriculture for weeds. Commonly available herbicides are paraquat, Glyphosate &Phenoxy acids. Methods: The study focuses on acute ingestion of commonly available herbicides and their clinical, radiological and laboratory presentations and their impact on mortality. Study was hospital based, cross sectional comprising of 50 cases over a period of 3 years. Proper statistical method used. Results: Study population were from 20 years to 60 years of which 20 to 40 years (58%) followed by 41 to 60 years (42%). Paraquat was ingested by 30 members (60%), Glyphosate 12 members (24%), Phenoxy acids 8 members (16%). Common symptoms and signs were vomitings (60%) ,oral ulcers (28%),abdominal pain (50%) ,Respiratory discomfort (50%),Decreased urine output (50%),Diarrhea (12%) . Laboratory’s: 75% shows liver enzymes derangement, 50%acute kidney injury, 50 % shows alveolar damage .Total of 22 patients (44%) discharged after recovery & 28 patients (56%) died. Mortality was high in paraquat (26members, 92%), 2 members died of Glyphosate poisoning (8%), and no mortality in Phenoxy acid poisoning. Conclusion: Herbicides like Paraquat and Glyphoate are having high mortality and morbidity risk among them paraquat have high mortality. Their storage and usage should be limited to prevent suicidal usage. Study is done to create awareness of poisons intake effects on individual’s health and mortality.