Endosulfan poisoning in two patients presenting with convulsive seizures
Aydın Deniz Karataş, Dursun Aygün, Selim Genç, Hayriye Kama, Ahmet Baydın
Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi, Tıp Fakültesi, Acil Tıp Anabilim Dalı, Samsun
Abstract
Endosulfan is a popular agricultural insecticide. Endosulfan is absorbed through the intact skin, by inhalation or ingestion. Endosulfan is a neurotoxic agent for insects and mammals. It can cause recurrent convulsive seizures. We report two cases with repetitive seizures associated with endosulfan poisoning. The first patient experienced four seizures and the second three. Both patients had no other signs or symptoms of intoxication. The first patient was observed for 24 hours then released from the hospital. However, the second patient was admitted for 10 days because of elevated liver enzymes. Serum toxicologic analysis detected Endosulfan in both patients. Endosulfan intoxication should be considered in patients who present to the emergency department with new and repetitive seizures even with the absence of any other signs of intoxication.