Related Experiment Videos
Life-threatening organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy in a child after accidental chlorpyrifos ingestion
L A Aiuto1, S G Pavlakis, R A Boxer
1Department of Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital-Cornell University Medical College, Manhasset, NY 11030.
Insights
Organophosphate poisoning can cause delayed nerve damage and temporary vocal cord paralysis in children. Close monitoring is crucial for children recovering from severe organophosphate intoxication to detect this delayed polyneuropathy.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Organophosphate (OP) compounds are widely used pesticides.
- OP intoxication can lead to a spectrum of neurological complications.
- Delayed polyneuropathy is a serious, albeit less common, sequela of OP exposure.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old child experienced life-threatening organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP).
- The child also presented with transient bilateral vocal cord paralysis.
- Prolonged ventilatory support was required during the recovery phase.
Findings:
- OPIDP can manifest with severe neurological deficits, including vocal cord paralysis.
- Recovery from acute OP poisoning may be complicated by the delayed onset of polyneuropathy.
- Pediatric patients are susceptible to severe neurological outcomes following OP exposure.
Implications:
- Early recognition and management of OP poisoning are critical.
- Post-intoxication surveillance is essential to identify and manage OPIDP in children.
- Understanding the neurotoxic effects of OPs is vital for improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Life-threatening organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy with transient bilateral vocal cord paralysis occurred in a 3-year-old child. Recovery was slow after prolonged ventilatory support. Patients who recover from serious organophosphate intoxications should be closely monitored for the development of organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy.