Nerve conduction studies in cases with long-term unintentional exposure to pesticide spraying

Abstract

Background: Farm workers experience many work-related hazards, including exposure to organophosphorus (OP) compounds during the process of pesticide spraying during their crop season. The recurrent unintentional exposure to OP compounds may lead to motor and sensory nerve neuropathies and also have some delayed neurological sequels. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were (1) to find out the toxic effects of OP compound on motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and (2) to compare the MNCV, in selected peripheral nerve (median nerve) of affected population with the normal population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted by recruiting 60 individuals matched with height, weight, and occupation matched (control group 30 and study group 30). Participants were selected randomly from the outpatient Department of Medical College Hospital with age group between 20 and 40 years, and both sexes were included. The MNCVs were recorded using multichannel polyrite machine. Results: MNCVs were evaluated on median nerves of both the sides. MNCV was recorded on distal stimulation. Our findings show that the motor abnormalities nerve velocities in case of exposed population were significantly less as compared to the controls in tested median nerve. This indicates the presence of abnormalities such as neuropathy in these patients. Conclusion: There was an evidence of peripheral neuropathy to some extent in peripheral nerves as evident by slow MNCVs in median nerve of those farmers who were exposed to the OP pesticide spraying in the farms and its consequent absorption through skin, inhalation, or ingestion as compared to the normal individuals.