2, 4-D poisoning: a review with illustration of two cases. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pannu, Ashok Kumar; Saroch, Atul; Agrawal, Jatin; Sharma, Navneet
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 48:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 366
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: 2 -- 4-D -- alkaline diuresis -- chlorphenoxy -- critical care -- haemodialysis -- herbicide -- poisoning; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475518786834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

Abstract

2, 4-D (2, 4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid) is a chlorphenoxy group pesticide. Its relative safety and broad leaf selectivity makes it a favourite herbicide of many home gardeners and agricultural workers. Severe systemic toxicity requiring hospital admission and intensive care usually occurs following intentional oral ingestion. 2, 4-D poisoning is an under-recognised cause of a potentially lethal toxic syndrome, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where such compounds are widely used in farming and readily available in households. It warrants close monitoring and high-quality supportive care along with plasma alkalinisation or extracorporeal removal of the toxin. We present a short review on 2, 4-D poisoning and describe two illustrative cases with significant oral ingestion resulted in early and rapidly developing systemic toxicity. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit; one patient was managed with alkaline diuresis and other case required three sessions of haemodialysis.