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Severe systemic intoxication following triclopyr-TEA ingestion
Yeon Y Kyong1, Kyoung U Lee, Kyoung H Choi
1Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|December 22, 2010
Summary
Triclopyr herbicide ingestion can cause severe human toxicity, including metabolic acidosis, coma, and cardiovascular issues. Despite its low-toxicity classification, this case highlights the potential for acute poisoning from this auxin system agent.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Plant Science
Background:
- Triclopyr is a widely used herbicide targeting plant auxin systems.
- It is generally classified as having low acute toxicity in humans.
- Understanding potential human health effects from herbicide exposure is crucial.
Observation:
- A patient ingested a significant amount of triclopyr herbicide.
- The patient presented with severe metabolic acidosis, coma, and cardiovascular impairment.
- Cardiac biomarkers (Troponin T, CK MB) and ECG (QTc prolongation) indicated direct myocardial toxicity.
Findings:
- Triclopyr ingestion led to life-threatening metabolic acidosis and coma.
- Evidence strongly suggested direct cardiotoxicity, including myocardial injury.
- The patient required intensive medical support but ultimately recovered fully.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that triclopyr, despite its classification, can cause significant acute toxicity in humans.
- It underscores the importance of prompt medical evaluation and management for triclopyr poisoning.
- Further research into the human toxicological profile of herbicides acting on plant hormone systems may be warranted.
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