Death Due To 2, 4-DI-Ethyl Ester Poisoning –A Rarely Documented Compound in Clinical and Forensic Practice

Abstract

Poisoning with Herbicides, Pesticides and Rodenticides etc. is very common nowadays especially in the northern parts of India due to their easy availability from market. Such compounds are available in the houses of farmers, persons dealing in agriculture sectors. Most of the time the cases of poisoning which are brought to our hospitals or are brought for autopsy in the mortuaries are of Organo phosphates, Organo chloro compounds or Aluminum Phosphide poisoning. In this case, we will discuss about the poisoning with a rarely documented compound 2, 4 Di Ethyl Ester which is a compound of Phenoxy acetic group. 2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a selective herbicide used to kill broad leafed plants. The signs and symptoms of this compound mimics with anti-cholinesterase compounds which might be the reason for under reporting of this compound as a potential cause of poisoning. The role of preserving blood sample during post-mortem to look for myoglobin and creatine phsphokinase levels may be of help in giving opinion regarding cause of death in case of negative FSL's reports.