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Fatal acute endosulfan toxicity: a case report
Hudaverdi Kucuker1, Onder Sahin, Yücel Yavuz
1Departments of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Afyon Kocatepe University, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. drhkucukerh@aku.edu.tr
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
|January 21, 2009
Summary
A rare case of fatal endosulfan poisoning highlights its severe toxicity. This organochlorine pesticide, despite bans, causes unintentional deaths, necessitating restricted use and prompt treatment for acute intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, is banned in the USA and Europe but remains in use for insect control elsewhere.
- Its use leads to significant intentional and unintentional toxicities, particularly in developing nations and Turkey.
Observation:
- A rare case of acute fatality due to accidental endosulfan ingestion in a 61-year-old woman is presented.
- The case involved detailed autopsy findings, patient history, and toxicological analysis.
Findings:
- The cause of death was confirmed as acute endosulfan intoxication.
- Endosulfan exhibits rapid histopathological toxic effects on multiple organs following ingestion.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe health risks associated with endosulfan, even from rare acute ingestion events.
- Restricting or prohibiting endosulfan use is crucial to prevent poisoning.
- Early and intensive supportive treatment, focusing on organs with significant histopathological injury, is vital for managing acute endosulfan toxicity.
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