RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Metaldehyde is a toxic pesticide used mainly as a molluscicide, responsible for intoxication and deaths in both humans and animals. Accidental exposure to metaldehyde in dogs is considered rare, but severe. Data concerning clinical and veterinary forensic toxicology are largely incomplete, especially regarding case reports in dogs. The present work reports a complete and detailed description of a case from the history, clinical evolution, pathological exams and toxicological diagnosis in an accidental case of metaldehyde poisoning in dog. CASE PRESENTATION: An eleven-month-old, 3.0 kg, male German Spitz was presented for emergency care with acute vomiting and seizures 3 hours after suspected accidental ingestion of commercial molluscicide containing 3% metaldehyde (Lesmax®). The animal was in lateral recumbency and showed stuporous mentation, salivation, tonic-clonic status epilepticus, systemic tremors, bilateral miosis, absent palpebral, corneal, oculovestibular and gag reflexes, severely depressed spinal reflexes, dyspnea and tachycardia. Despite treatment, the patient progressed to comatose mentation and died. Necropsy examination revealed discrete lesions in the liver and central nervous system, while stomach examination revealed content of feed, activated charcoal and blue-green granules, compatible to the commercial formula of metaldehyde. Histology examination revealed extensive hemorrhage and severe centrolobular necrosis of the liver and tumefaction of Kupfer cells. Brain samples showed discrete hemorrhage and hyperemia. In order to confirm the diagnosis, samples from feces, stomach content, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys and brain were submitted gas chromatography analysis. Results confirmed the presence of metaldehyde in all samples. We describe clinicopathological abnormalities of a fatal case of metaldehyde poisoning in a dog, as well as postmortem diagnosis using gas chromatography. CONCLUSION: Metaldehyde poisoning is rarely reported, since the diagnosis is often difficult and the notifications scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing clinical signs, pathological findings and chromatographic diagnosis. This report aims to contribute to the understanding of the pathogenesis of metaldehyde intoxication, to further explore veterinary forensic toxicology diagnosis.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Acetaldehído/análisis , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Cromatografía de Gases/métodos , Cromatografía de Gases/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/patología , Perros , Resultado Fatal , Toxicología Forense , Masculino , Moluscocidas/análisisRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dogs treated with hemodialysis for severe metaldehyde intoxication and to compare them with conventionally-managed patients. DESIGN: Retrospective study (2012-2017). SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Data from 18 dogs with severe metaldehyde intoxication were analyzed. Eleven dogs were treated with intermittent hemodialysis and 7 managed conventionally. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Metaldehyde poisoning was diagnosed based on clinical signs and toxicological analysis or presence of turquoise material in the gastrointestinal content. Clinical signs, additional treatments, dialysis prescription, duration of anesthesia and hospitalization, complications, and outcome were documented. Results were analyzed by t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Dialysis was performed for median (range) 180 min (150-420 min) with median of 2.28 L/kg (1.66-4.48 L/kg) blood volume processed. In the hemodialysis group, anesthesia was discontinued at a median of 3.0 hours (1.5-6.7 h) after starting dialysis. The conventional-group received general anesthesia for a median of 17.5 hours (7.0-30.5 h). No further anticonvulsive treatment was necessary for the hemodialysis group. Time to hospital discharge was shorter in dialyzed dogs (median 18 h; 15-41 h) compared to conventionally treated dogs (median 89 h; 61-168 h; P = 0.0014). Aspiration pneumonia was reported in 5 conventionally treated dogs and none of the dialyzed dogs (P = 0.001). Five dialyzed dogs developed hematoma at the dialysis catheter site. One dog in each group was euthanized. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis significantly decreases the requirement for anesthesia and length of hospitalization in dogs with metaldehyde intoxication. Aspiration pneumonia occurred less often in dialyzed patients. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the clinical utility of hemodialysis in dogs with metaldehyde poisoning.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Intoxicación/veterinaria , Diálisis Renal/veterinaria , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/terapia , Perros , Femenino , Masculino , Intoxicación/terapia , Estudios Prospectivos , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Pets can act as sentinels for human health and thus surveillance of pet dogs has the potential to improve awareness of emerging risks for animal and public health. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the risk of canine poisoning. In a large population-based epidemiological investigation in Italy performed from January 2015 to January 2016 and April 2016 to April 2017, descriptive statistics were acquired and analysed to determine variables associated with poisoning events in pet dogs. Results were validated in a test population and forecast analysis of risk was performed. The cumulative incidence of poisoning events was low (10.2/1000 dogs/year). Anticoagulant rodenticides, organophosphate pesticides, metaldehyde and strychnine were the most frequent causes of intoxications. Territory characteristics significantly modulated both the frequency and the nature of the involved substances. The seashore area was associated with poisoning by rodenticides (odds ratio, OR, 1.81, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.54-2.13) and metaldehyde (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.16-2.28). The hill country area was associated with poisoning by organophosphate pesticides (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.38-2.15), metaldehyde (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.53-3.25) and strychnine (OR 1.86, 95% CI, 1.34-2.57). The mountain area was associated with strychnine poisoning (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.84-5.06). The prospective cumulative incidence of poisoning over 10 years was 9.74% (95% CI 9.57-9.91). These results may be useful for predicting the risk of poisoning and for estimating the risk index related to specific toxic compounds in specific territories. This study suggests that poisoning events in dogs may represent a problem of public health with the potential to affect wildlife and human beings.
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Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Plaguicidas/envenenamiento , Intoxicación/veterinaria , Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Animales Domésticos , Estudios Transversales , Perros , Humanos , Insecticidas/envenenamiento , Italia/epidemiología , Intoxicación por Organofosfatos/epidemiología , Intoxicación por Organofosfatos/veterinaria , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Rodenticidas/envenenamiento , Estricnina/envenenamientoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Metaldehyde self-poisoning in adults is uncommon and, to the best of our knowledge, an episode of super-refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus (sr-NCSE) following an suicide attempt has not been previously demonstrated. CASE REPORT: A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in coma. On neurologic examination, the pupils were reactive, brainstem reflexes were present and plantar responses were flexor bilaterally. Routine laboratory tests were unremarkable. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed a mixed acidosis. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain and angio-CT were normal. The family confirmed that the patient had had suicidal ideation, and they had discovered a bag of slug killer (metaldehyde 5%) in her room. Two hours after the admission at the ICU, her neurological state remained unchanged. Sedation with intravenous propofol and antiepileptic therapy with levetiracetam (1000â¯mg/24â¯h) were started. The next day, propofol infusion was stopped but the level of consciousness of the patient did not improve. A video-electroencephalograhy (v-EEG) showed continuous generalized paroxysms of spike-wave and sharp-slow wave complexes compatible with the diagnosis of generalized NCSE. On day 3, the episode of NCSE was controlled. Finally, 15â¯days after ICU admission she was discharged with a normal neurological examination. CONCLUSION: This clinical case highlights that in comatose patients as consequence of metaldehyde poisoning, a v-EEG evaluation should be perform in order to rule out the existence of NCSE.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Coma/diagnóstico , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Estado Epiléptico/diagnóstico , Intento de Suicidio , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Anciano , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapéutico , Coma/tratamiento farmacológico , Coma/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Propofol/uso terapéutico , Estado Epiléptico/tratamiento farmacológico , Estado Epiléptico/etiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Co-exposure to cigarette smoke and alcohol leads to the generation of high concentrations of acetaldehyde and malondialdehyde in the lung. These aldehydes being highly electrophilic in nature react with biologically relevant proteins such as surfactant protein D (SPD) through a Schiff base reaction to generate SPD adducted malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adduct (SPD-MAA) in mouse lung. SPD-MAA results in an increase in lung pro-inflammatory chemokine, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), and the recruitment of lung lavage neutrophils. Previous in vitro studies in bronchial epithelial cells and macrophages show that scavenger receptor A (SR-A1/CD204) is a major receptor for SPD-MAA. No studies have yet examined the in vivo role of SR-A1 in MAA-mediated lung inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesize that in the absence of SR-A1, MAA-induced inflammation in the lung is reduced or diminished. METHODS: To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 WT and SR-A1 KO mice were nasally instilled with 50 µg/mL of SPD-MAA for 3 weeks (wks). After 3 weeks, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected and assayed for a total cell count, a differential cell count and CXCL1 (KC) chemokine. Lung tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and antibodies to MAA adduct. RESULTS: Results showed that BAL cellularity and influx of neutrophils were decreased in SR-A1 KO mice as compared to WT following repetitive SPD-MAA exposure. MAA adduct staining in the lung epithelium was decreased in SR-A1 KO mice. In comparison to WT, no increase in CXCL1 was observed in BAL fluid from SR-A1 KO mice over time. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the data demonstrate that SR-A1/CD204 plays an important role in SPD-MAA induced inflammation in lung.
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Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Mediadores de Inflamación/inmunología , Malondialdehído/envenenamiento , Neumonía/inducido químicamente , Neumonía/inmunología , Proteína D Asociada a Surfactante Pulmonar/envenenamiento , Receptores Depuradores de Clase A/inmunología , Animales , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Noqueados , Receptores Depuradores de Clase A/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, and a combined approach on the removal of metaldehyde from canine plasma. DESIGN: In vitro study. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital laboratory. ANIMALS: None. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Metaldehyde-fortified canine plasma was prepared. Hemodialysis (HD), charcoal hemoperfusion (HP), and in-series hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion (HD/HP) were applied in triplicate to eliminate metaldehyde from plasma. Plasma samples were obtained before starting the procedure and subsequently after every processed total plasma volume until plasma had been processed 10 times. Plasma metaldehyde concentration was quantitatively assayed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test, and by calculating the coefficient of variation from duplicate measurements, binomial distribution, and by Bland-Altman analysis. Statistically significant reduction in metaldehyde concentration was reached by all 3 techniques. Reduction of metaldehyde concentration of more than 95% was achieved after processing the plasma volume 4 times applying HD, 8 times applying HP, and 2 times applying HD/HP. Efficacy in reduction of metaldehyde concentration differed significantly between the 3 procedures (P < 0.001). In-series hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion was more effective in metaldehyde removal than HD (P = 0.003) and HP (P < 0.001), and HD was more effective than HP (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Metaldehyde was effectively removed by all applied extracorporeal blood purification techniques in vitro. However, the combination of both techniques was more effective than HD or HP alone. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm therapeutic benefits in patients.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/terapia , Hemoperfusión/veterinaria , Diálisis Renal/veterinaria , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Carbón Orgánico , Perros , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/veterinaria , Intoxicación/terapia , Intoxicación/veterinariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in the world. Epidemiological findings on alcohol use in relation to gastric cancer remain controversial. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of gastric cancer. METHODS: The association between alcohol intake and the risk of gastric cancer was examined in a population-based cohort of 7,150 men in Kaunas, Lithuania, who were enrolled during 1972-1974 or 1976-1980. After up to 30 years of follow-up, 185 gastric cancer cases were identified. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The attained age was used as a time-scale. RESULTS: After adjustment for smoking, education level and body mass index, the HR of gastric cancer was 2.00 (95% CI: 1.04-3.82) for the highest alcohol consumption frequency (2-7 times per week) compared with occasional drinking (a few times per year) and 1.90 (95% CI: 1.13-3.18) for ≥ 100.0 g ethanol/week versus 0.1-9.9 g ethanol/week. A stronger effect of alcohol consumption on gastric cancer risk was observed during the second half of the study (1993-2008). In the analysis of gastric cancer risk by alcoholic beverage type, all beverages were included simultaneously in the model. The multivariate HR for men who consumed ≥ 0.5 litre of wine per occasion (compared with those who consumed <0.5 litre) was 2.95 (95% CI: 1.30-6.68). Higher consumption of beer or vodka was not statistically significantly associated with gastric cancer risk. After adjustment for smoking, education level, body mass index and ethanol, we found no excess risk of gastric cancer in association with total acetaldehyde intake. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports a link between alcohol consumption (primarily from ethanol) and the development of gastric cancer in the Lithuanian population. Although an association with heavy wine consumption was observed, the effect of exposure to acetaldehyde on the development of gastric cancer in this cohort was not confirmed. Further research is needed to provide a more detailed evaluation of alcohol drinking and gastric cancer risk.
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Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/epidemiología , Bebidas Alcohólicas/estadística & datos numéricos , Neoplasias Gástricas/epidemiología , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Anciano , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Bebidas Alcohólicas/envenenamiento , Índice de Masa Corporal , Estudios de Cohortes , Intervalos de Confianza , Escolaridad , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Lituania/epidemiología , Masculino , Modelos de Riesgos Proporcionales , Riesgo , Fumar/efectos adversos , Fumar/epidemiología , Neoplasias Gástricas/etiologíaRESUMEN
A retrospective analysis of telephone enquiries to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service found 772 cases with follow-up concerning suspected metaldehyde slug bait ingestion in dogs between 1985 and 2010. Half the enquiries occurred in the summer months. The amount and strength of the slug bait ingested was rarely known. In 56, cases the quantity consumed was estimated and was on average 229.6 grams of bait. Clinical signs developed in 77.3 per cent of dogs; common signs were convulsions, hypersalivation, twitching, hyperaesthesia, tremor, vomiting, hyperthermia and ataxia. Only 4.6 per cent of dogs developed hepatic changes, and only one developed renal impairment. The average time to onset of signs was 2.9 hours post-ingestion, with 50.3 per cent of dogs developing effects within one hour. Increased muscle activity (twitching, convulsions) lasted on average 15.2 hours. Recovery time was reported in 61 cases and occurred on average at 39.3 hours. Common treatments were gut decontamination, anticonvulsants, anaesthetics and intravenous fluids. Of the dogs that were treated with sedatives, 45.8 per cent required more than one sedative or anaesthetic agent. Methocarbamol was rarely used, probably due to unavailability. The outcome was reported in 762 dogs; 21.7 per cent remained asymptomatic, 61.7 per cent recovered and 16 per cent of dogs died or were euthanased. Where known (only six cases), the fatal dose of bait ranged from 4.2 to 26.7 g/kg (average 11.8 g/kg).
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Centros de Control de Intoxicaciones/estadística & datos numéricos , Intoxicación/veterinaria , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/mortalidad , Perros , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Femenino , Masculino , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Intoxicación/mortalidad , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
The aim of the present study was to investigate if prolonged status epilepticus (SE), secondary to a chemoconvulsant, can induce spontaneous recurrent seizures in dogs. Clinical records at two UK referral hospitals were searched for dogs that presented in SE secondary to intoxication. Dogs were only included in the study if there was clear historical evidence of intoxication and a prolonged SE. Clinical and follow-up information was retrieved and verified by using a combination of clinical records from the two hospitals and the referring veterinarian and by contacting the owners using a telephone questionnaire. Twenty dogs met the inclusion criteria: 17 presented for metaldehyde toxicity, one for moxidectin toxicity, one for theobromine toxicity and one for mycotoxin toxicity. Of these 20 dogs, three dogs had an SE duration between 0.5 and one hour, four dogs between one and 12 hours, 10 dogs between 12 and 24 hours and three dogs greater then 24 hours. Median follow-up time for the 20 dogs was 757 days (range 66 to 1663 days). No dog had any further seizures after its SE. The present study supports the view that dogs with a prolonged SE following intoxication with the aforementioned toxins might not need long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs after the SE has been controlled.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Convulsiones/veterinaria , Estado Epiléptico/veterinaria , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Femenino , Insecticidas/envenenamiento , Macrólidos/envenenamiento , Masculino , Micotoxinas/envenenamiento , Factores de Riesgo , Convulsiones/inducido químicamente , Convulsiones/epidemiología , Estado Epiléptico/inducido químicamente , Estado Epiléptico/complicaciones , Estado Epiléptico/epidemiología , Reino Unido/epidemiologíaAsunto(s)
Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Salicilanilidas/envenenamiento , Vigilancia de Guardia/veterinaria , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/inducido químicamente , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Enfermedades de los Animales/epidemiología , Animales , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/epidemiología , Patos , Escocia , Ovinos , Enfermedades de las Ovejas/epidemiología , Especificidad de la Especie , Reino Unido/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A rapid headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) method has been developed for the determination of metaldehyde in human serum samples. Metaldehyde is extensively used as a molluscicide for the control of slugs and snails, and cases of metaldehyde poisoning have been reported. Metaldehyde was headspace-extracted on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber at 70 degrees C for 25 min, desorbed, and analyzed rapidly by GC-MS. The method was validated for limit of detection (LOD), linearity, precision, and recovery. Although the recovery of the sample was very low, the method itself was rapid with a low detection limit of 0.25 microg/ml, R.S.D. value 12.6%, and linearity range 0.5-25.0 microg/ml (r(2)=0.999). The results demonstrated that the SPME-GC-MS method for the analysis of metaldehyde is simple, rapid, solvent-free, and does not require any pre-analysis conversions.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Cromatografía de Gases y Espectrometría de Masas/métodos , Microextracción en Fase Sólida/métodos , Acetaldehído/sangre , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Dimetilpolisiloxanos , Estabilidad de Medicamentos , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Moluscocidas/sangre , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Intento de Suicidio , Adulto JovenAsunto(s)
Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Inglaterra/epidemiología , Centros de Control de Intoxicaciones , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Intoxicación/veterinariaAsunto(s)
Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/inducido químicamente , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Enfermedades de los Perros/mortalidad , Perros , Londres/epidemiología , Centros de Control de Intoxicaciones , Intoxicación/diagnóstico , Intoxicación/etiología , Intoxicación/mortalidad , Intoxicación/veterinariaRESUMEN
Metaldehyde poisoning is rare. This case report details the largest toxic dose of self-poisoning with metaldehyde ever recorded in the literature to the authors' knowledge, the aim being to emphasise the features of metaldehyde toxicity and the potential for good clinical outcome. The patient was admitted unconscious with features consistent with poisoning. Appropriate critical care was instituted early with correction of his acid-base disorder, ventilatory support, correction of haemodynamic instability, anticonvulsant therapy and early admission to the critical care unit. An almost complete recovery was seen over the following weeks, the only lasting deficit being to short-term memory, a finding common to other reported incidents of metaldehyde toxicity. This case is notable in that the patient took more than one and a half times what is considered to be a lethal dose of metaldehyde (the largest reported), but has had a remarkably good clinical outcome that is proposed to be due to methodical and timely interventions delivered according to basic principles irrespective of the absence of the early identification of the poison. The case demonstrates several of the key features of metaldehyde toxicity and the emergency management of such a situation. The published literature pertaining to metaldehyde overdose is reviewed.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Acetaldehído/administración & dosificación , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Adulto , Cuidados Críticos/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Pronóstico , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities and outcome of metaldehyde intoxication in dogs. METHODS: Medical records of dogs presenting between 1989 and 2005 with a diagnosis of metaldehyde toxicity were reviewed retrospectively. Data obtained from the medical record included signalment, history, clinical signs, laboratory tests results, hospitalisation period length, treatments and outcome. RESULTS: Eighteen dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent clinical signs were seizures, hyperthermia, tachycardia and muscle tremors. Serum biochemistry abnormalities included increased serum muscle enzymes activities, acidaemia (six dogs) and decreased blood bicarbonate (eight dogs). Treatment was symptomatic and supportive. Hyperbilirubinaemia was observed in two dogs. Diazepam was the most commonly used anticonvulsant followed by phenobarbitone and pentobarbital. General inhalant anaesthesia was required in nine of 18 dogs with seizures unresponsive to anticonvulsants. The survival was 83 per cent (15 of 18 dogs). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This clinical study recorded, for the first time in the veterinary literature, several clinicopathological abnormalities from severely intoxicated dogs. Metabolic acidosis was common, while acute or delayed hepatotoxicity was an uncommon complication.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Animales , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapéutico , Análisis Químico de la Sangre/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Perros/sangre , Enfermedades de los Perros/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Perros/patología , Perros , Femenino , Israel/epidemiología , Masculino , Registros Médicos , Examen Neurológico/veterinaria , Intoxicación/diagnóstico , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Intoxicación/veterinaria , Estudios Retrospectivos , Convulsiones/veterinariaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are emitted by many mobile and stationary sources and secondary aldehydes are intermediates in the photo-oxidation of organic compounds in the atmosphere. These aldehydes are emitted indoors by many materials such as furniture, carpets, heating and cooling systems, an by smoking. Carbonyls, mainly formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, have been studied because of their adverse health effects. In addition, formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen. Therefore, the concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were determined to assess the inhalation exposure doses to carbonyls for people who work in a 13-story building and in order to evaluate the cancer hazard. METHODS: Carbonyl compounds in indoor and outdoor air were measured at a 13-story building located in Mexico City. The mezzanine, fifth and tenth floors, and the third level-parking garage were selected for sampling. Samples were collected in two sampling periods, the first from April 20 to 29, 1998 and the second from December 1 to 20, 1998. Carbonyls were sampled by means of DNHP-coated cartridges at a flow rate of 1 l min(-1) from 9:00 to 19:00 hours, during 2-hour time intervals and analyzed by HPLC with hours, during 2-hour time intervals and analyzed by HPLC with UV/VIS detection. RESULTS: Mean carbonyl concentrations were highest in the 3rd level-parking garage, with the formaldehyde concentration being the highest ranging from 108 to 418 microg m(-3). In working areas, the highest carbonyl arithmetic mean concentrations (AM) were observed on the 5th floor. Acetone and formaldehyde concentrations were highest in April ranging from 161 to 348 microg m(-3) (AM = 226) and from 157 to 270 microg m(-3) (AM = 221), respectively. Propionaldehyde and butyraldehyde were present in smaller concentrations ranging from 2 to 25 and 1 to 28 microg m(-3), respectively, considering all the samples. Mean indoor/outdoor ratios of carbonyls ranged from 1.8 to 9.6. A reduction of inhalation exposure doses of 41% and 45% was observed in the fifth floor air after the air conditioning systems had been repaired. Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde concentrations were higher in smoking environments. CONCLUSION: Indoor carbonyl concentrations were significantly greater than outdoor concentrations. Tobacco smoke seems to be the main indoor source of formaldehyde. After the air conditioning system was maintained and repaired (as was recommended), an important reduction in the emission of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was achieved on all floors, except for the 3rd level parking garage, thereby reducing the inhalation exposure doses. RECOMMENDATION: The results obtained in this research demonstrated that maintenance of air conditioning systems must be carried out regularly in order to avoid possible adverse effects on health. Additionally, it is mandatory that isolated smoking areas, with air extraction systems, be installed in every public building.
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Acetaldehído/análisis , Contaminación del Aire Interior/análisis , Desinfectantes/análisis , Formaldehído/análisis , Exposición por Inhalación , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Desinfectantes/envenenamiento , Formaldehído/envenenamiento , Humanos , México , Neoplasias/etiología , Medición de Riesgo , Contaminación por Humo de Tabaco , VentilaciónRESUMEN
Metaldehyde, a cyclic tetramer of acetaldehyde, is a widely used molluscicide. Although cases with acute metaldehyde poisoning have been reported, the occurrence of severe poisoning is uncommon. To provide more information on human metaldehyde poisoning, we reviewed 15 cases of metaldehyde exposure reported to the Taiwan National Poison Control Center at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital between 1991 and 2002. While 7 patients were asymptomatic, the other 8 patients, including 4 who coingested alcohol or other poisons, exhibited toxic manifestations of abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, irritation of oral mucosa, and seizures after oral exposure. One patient died after ingesting 12 g (or 258.6 mg/kg) of metaldehyde. Although the toxicity from metaldehyde is largely mild, the clinical course of metaldehyde poisoning may be rapidly deteriorating and fatal on rare occasions. Physicians should therefore be cautious in managing patients with metaldehyde poisoning, and vigorous supportive measures should be promptly instituted in patients who manifest severe toxicity.
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Acetaldehído/análogos & derivados , Acetaldehído/envenenamiento , Moluscocidas/envenenamiento , Intento de Suicidio , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Niño , Preescolar , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Resultado Fatal , Femenino , Humanos , Registros Médicos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Centros de Control de Intoxicaciones , Intoxicación/diagnóstico , Intoxicación/epidemiología , Intoxicación/etiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Taiwán/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A-55-year-old man ingested unknown amount of snail poison bait containing metaldehyde. He was mentally retarded and presented pica. On admission, his vital sign was stable, and the extremeties were spastic. Then, gastric lavage was unsuccessful because of massive unbited food. Activated charcoal and cathartic were administrated. On the next day, general convulsion occurred and respiratory distress advanced, so he was intubated. On the 3rd day, infiltration shadow appeared on chest roentogenogram and, his respiration was assisted mechanically. Thereby, acute lung injury advanced regardless of tracheostomy, kinetic therapy, antibiotics and steroid pulse therapy. He died of respiratory failure on the 33rd day. Serum test showed HBs and HBe antigen, CT scan revealed ascites and splenomegaly; the clinical course might be worsened by liver cirrhosis. HPLC revealed metaldehyde in the serum (total 80.6 microg/ml). He ingested 2.7 g of metaldehyde maximally estimated. Although Japan Poison Information Center reported that snail poison bait poisoning is often in dogs in Japan, human poisoning is rare.