Citation

Yang PY, Tsao TC, Lin JL, Lyu RK, Chiang PC. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 2000; 38(1): 43-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Marcel Dekker)

DOI

10.1081/clt-100100914

PMID

10696923

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although carbamates have been widely used in the world for many years, carbamate-induced delayed neuropathy is rare. We report what appears to be delayed neuropathy caused by poisoning with carbofuran, a cholinesterase-inhibiting carbamate, although the certainty of diagnosis is somewhat limited by the lack of a sural nerve biopsy and spinal fluid examination.

CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old man attempted suicide by ingesting 100 mL of carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate). After recovering from acute cholinergic toxicity, he had notable paresthesia in his lower limbs and difficulty walking. Electrophysiologic findings revealed sensorimotor neuropathy. Recovery began at 1 week and continued for 4 months. A similar delayed neuropathy has been described with carbamate, 1-naphthyl N-methylcarbamate, and m-tolyl methylcarbamate, but not with carbofuran insecticides.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Carbofuran/*poisoning; Cholinesterase Inhibitors/*poisoning; Humans; Insecticides/*poisoning; Male; Paresthesia/chemically induced; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases/*chemically induced; Suicide, Attempted; Time Factors