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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Case report

Refractory cardiopulmonary failure after glyphosate surfactant intoxication: a case report

Authors: Chirn-Bin Chang, Chia-Chu Chang

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Glyphosate is an herbicide considered to be of low toxicity to humans because its effects are specific to plants. However, fatal reactions to glyphosate have been reported after the ingestion of large amounts. Pulmonary edema, shock, and arrhythmia were the reported causes of mortality.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 57-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department unconsciousness after ingestion of glyphosate surfactant in a suicide attempt. Metabolic acidosis, refractory respiratory failure, and shock developed during hospitalization. Despite aggressive supportive care, the patient died in the hospital.

Conclusion

The toxicokinetics of glyphosate surfactant is complicated. Respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, tachycardia, elevated creatinine, and hyperkalemia are poor prognostic factors if presented. Physicians should consider using hemodialysis early to improve the outcome of patients with glyphosate surfactant intoxication.
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Metadata
Title
Refractory cardiopulmonary failure after glyphosate surfactant intoxication: a case report
Authors
Chirn-Bin Chang
Chia-Chu Chang
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-4-2

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