Teenage organophosphate insecticide poisoning: An ugly trend in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Organophosphate poisoning is still a major problem in developing countries owing to indiscriminate use of these compounds in many households. The risk of poisoning is worsened by uncontrolled sale of organophosphorus insecticides on the streets and in open markets. We report three cases of organophosphate compound poisoning among adolescents with suicidal intent.
Methods: We reviewed the hospital admission case records of three cases of organophosphate poisoning among adolescents managed at the children emergency room of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu, South-east Nigeria. Relevant information on the clinical characteristics of the patients, investigations and treatment, and outcome of treatment were obtained.
Results: The events of poisoning were preceded by strained family relationship in two of the cases while failure in a promotional examination preceded the incident in one of them. Atropine monotherapy in addition to airway management and oxygen support successfully reversed the symptoms and signs in 2 of the 3 cases. One died within 18 hours of admission from cardio-respiratory depression. Mean duration of admission in patients that survived was 48 hours.
Conclusion: This report highlights the ugly trend of suicidal ideation among adolescents and the challenges of management of organophosphate poisoning in our setting. It serves as a wake-up call to Nigerian parents and healthcare providers on the increased risk of indiscriminate use of organophosphorus compounds as insecticides in the homes.

Keywords: Organophosphate poisoning, Atropine, Adolescents, Suicide ideation, Enugu