Peripheral neuropathy after exposure to an ester of dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

Abstract

Severe sensory and motor symptoms necessitated hospitalization of three patients, a 52-year-old man, a 50-year-old woman, and a 65-year-old man. In each case the disorder began some hours after the use of preparations of dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) to kill weeds; the symptoms progressed through a period of days until pain, paresthesias, and paralysis were severe. Disability was protracted, and recovery was incomplete even after the lapse of years. There was little doubt that the neurological damage was done by the percutaneous absorption of spilled 2,4-D. The electromyographic examination supported the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy. Since there is no antidote or other specific treatment for 2,4-D poisoning, this herbicide should be used with caution.