[Poisoning by organophosphate insecticides. A case related to carbamate]

Poisonings due to organophosphate insecticides are a common accident with serious consequences in Vietnam. In this report we describe a case due to ingestion of carbamate by a 4 years old boy. Muscarinic and nicotinic manifestations appeared within 90 minutes after ingestion. In addition to evacuation of the stomach and oxygenotherapy, treatment consisted of high dose atropine: 1,396 capsules in 18 days (349 mg). The authors review the mechanisms of poisoning which leads to accumulation of acetylcholine in nerve endings and emphasize the need for preventive measures in developing countries where use of this type of insecticide is widespread.