Journal of the Indian Society of Toxicology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/134840

Editor: Dr V V Pillay

ISSN: 0973-3558 (Print)

Frequency: Semi-annual

Language: English

Published by The Indian Society of Toxicology

Peer-reviewed open access journal indexed in Index Medicus

Web site: https://indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:jist&type=home

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 143

The power and appeal of Toxocon.
(2012-01) Pillay, V V
Paint thinner ingestion-induced stroke in a young male.
(2012-01) Singh, Neelima; Margekar, Shubha Laxmi
Previous reports of paint thinner ingestion were suggestive of rhabdomyolysis, polyneuropathy, chemical pneumonia and coma. Reports of cerebral stroke following thinner ingestion have almost never been reported. A healthy male presented to us with unconsciousness and hemiplegia following deliberate ingestion of paint thinner. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of head revealed cerebral infarct and multifocal oedema.
Snake venom - The new rage to get high.
(2012-01) Kautilya, Vijay; Bhodka, Pravir
The insatiable craving of mankind for mind-altering substances is affirmed by the fact that newer drugs have continuously been evolving over centuries. A recent strange trend in India is snake venom abuse for getting a “high”. At least four cases have been authentically reported, though drug peddlers caught selling such venom in rave parties and snake dens is relatively rare. This paper reviews some case reports and tries to highlight the gravity of the problem in India. It attempts to analyze the legal and cultural flaws which have influenced the rapid and silent rise of this novel and dangerous form of substance abuse.
Anaphylaxis due to indian black ant bite [Camponotus compressus] and a short review of literature.
(2012-01) Naik, B Sadananda; Prabhu, Krishna Mohan; Jyothi, C S
Anaphylaxis and death have been reported due to bite by many species of ants such as fire ant, carpenter ant, black ant (samsum), etc. But anaphylaxis due to the bite of the Common Indian Black Ant (Camponotus compressus) is unusual, and has rarely been reported. We are reporting a case of anaphylaxis due to Indian black ant bite. Though the patient did not provide any previous history of a bite by this ant species, it could be presumed that he could have been bitten earlier. This case report emphasizes the need for precautions against bites by this species of ant which is widely regarded as relatively harmless.
Management of organophosphorus compound poisoning -A one year experience in a tertiary care hospital.
(2012-01) Vaidyanathan, R; Ashoka, H G; Kumar, G N Pramod
This study was undertaken to assess the distribution pattern, outcome and possible predictors affecting the mortality and the need for ventilator support in patients who had consumed organophosphorus compound pesticides. 91 patients who were admitted to the ICU between April 2009 and March 2010 with history of ingestion of organophosphorus pesticide, were studied. Baseline clinical assessment and investigations were undertaken and SOFA and APACHE II scores were calculated. Out of 91 patients, 39 required ventilator support. Of these 39 patients, 2 died, one due to severe sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction, and the other, a chronic alcoholic with chronic liver disease, due to hepatic encephalopathy and multiorgan dysfunction. The time elapsed since ingestion of poison, SOFA and APACHE II scores were significantly associated with patients requiring ventilator support. However with logistic regression analysis, none of these variables were able to either predict mortality or the need for ventilator support. The overall outcome in these cases was favourable as the mortality rate was 2.3%. Though the time elapsed since ingestion of the pesticide and the APACHE II score were found to predict the need for ventilation in many earlier studies, they failed to predict either the need for ventilation or mortality in the present study. The improved mortality rate could be attributed to an organized approach through protocols between the emergency department and the ICU in order to successfully manage patients with organophosphorus compound poisoning.
Sociodemographic and clinical profile of aluminium phosphide poisoning in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
(2012-01) Janani, S; Kochar, Shiv
Aluminium phosphide pellets are inexpensive and widely available for grain fumigation and preservation. Their free availability has led to an epidemic-like situation in some parts of India due to its intentional (suicidal or homicidal) or accidental ingestion. There is a steady year-wise increment in the number of deaths due to this poison, and it is the single most frequent suicidal agent in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Eighty nine patients with acute aluminium phosphide poisoning were studied in SMS Hospital Jaipur, during the period September 2009 to September 2010. Out of these, 74 patients died (83.15%). The sociodemographic and clinical profile of aluminium phosphide poisoning are discussed in this paper.
Fatal stings: Autopsy findings in scorpion envenomation.
(2012-01) Bardale, R V; Dixit, P G
Scorpion envenomation represents one of the common clinical emergencies in various parts of India. There is considerable literature regarding clinical manifestations and management protocols; however only a few studies are available dealing with autopsy findings. One of the reasons is that mortality is not very high in scorpion envenomation as compared to snakebite envenomation. The present study describes autopsy findings derived from five cases that were autopsied during a five year period. Common site for scorpion sting appears to be some peripheral part of the body, and the sting mark is usually one in number. In the present series, toxic myocarditis was suspected in 3 cases, while one person manifested cardiogenic shock, and the other had respiratory distress syndrome with multiorgan failure. At autopsy, pulmonary oedema was noted in all the cases, and a state of circulatory failure in 3 cases. Correlation of gross and microscopic findings suggest that a state of shock occurs, resulting in circulatory failure and subsequent multiorgan failure.
Fatal nitrobenzene poisoning: Some case reports and medicolegal aspects.
(2012-01) Behera, C; Kulbhushan; Garudadhri, G V; Pradhan, M; Khurana, Nita; Dikshit, P C
Nitrobenzene is a synthetic organic compound, pale yellow in colour, freely soluble in alcohol, with a pleasant odour like that of bitter almonds or shoe polish. It is widely used in chemical industry, and is present in commercial products such as shoe and metal polish, ink, paint remover and soap. Poisoning due to nitrobenzene is usually chronic in nature, mainly due to occupational exposure, except for a few acute cases of industrial accidents or suicides. We report three cases of fatal nitrobenzene poisoning through oral ingestion. All persons consumed alcohol prior to, or along with nitrobenzene. The alleged manner of poisoning was different in every case (one case each of homicide, suicide and accident). Clinical features, autopsy findings and medicolegal aspects of nitrobenzene poisoning are discussed.
Methaemoglobin analysis in acute dapsone poisoning.
(2012-01) Vijayakumar, P G; Rajendiran, C; Malathi, D; Suganya, A
A case of acute dapsone poisoning in a 21 year-old female is being reported. Dapsone is well known for inducing serious methaemoglobinaemia and haemolysis in overdose situations. Estimating the methaemoglobin (MetHb) concentration in the blood is critical for effective management. Quantification of MetHb by spectrophotometer is generally advocated along with complete haematological and liver function investigations. In this paper, we highlight the importance of quantifying MetHb by spectrophotometer, which is very simple, and demonstrates high sensitivity
Mean corpuscular volume and biochemical markers of alcoholism - A comparative study.
(2012-01) Kumar, B G Prashanth; Biradar, Sunil S
Alcoholism is a serious health issue with major socioeconomic consequences. Significant morbidity is related to chronic alcohol use, and alcoholics seek advice only when complications of drinking set in. The diagnosis is often based on patients self-reporting of alcohol consumption, which is unreliable and requires high degree of clinical suspicion. However, if alcohol problems are recognized at an early stage, the physician may be able to prevent their further development and progression. The present study compares the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) with other traditional biochemical markers in alcohol abuse patients and healthy controls. It is a prospective study, and 40 cases and 30 controls were evaluated for biochemical parameters over a period of one year. The study revealed MCV to be possessing 87.5% sensitivity, 83.33% specificity, 87.5% of positive predictive value, 48.39% of negative predictive value and 54.29% of diagnostic accuracy, which makes it a reliable marker. The mean gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations in alcohol dependent subjects were higher as compared to controls. Though clinical histories and questionnaires are the commonest initial means of detection of alcohol abuse, laboratory markers such as MCV should be used for confirming the diagnosis of alcohol abuse. They are also helpful in follow-up of patients undergoing treatment, and monitoring of abstinence
Genotoxicity of benzene in mammalian cells (Rattus rattus) and its minimization by medicinal plant extracts and Vitamin C.
(2012-01) Chauhan, Kiran
Benzene is an enlisted industrial carcinogen with genotoxic effects. The present work was aimed at studying the genotoxic effects (chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index changes) of benzene on somatic (bone marrow) cells of 10–15 week old albino rats (Rattus rattus). Many medicinal plants and vitamins are known to have antioxidant and anticlastogenic properties. Therefore, vitamin C and crude extracts of fruits of medicinal plants Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) and Allium sativum (garlic) cloves were tested for their comparative effectiveness in minimizing the genotoxicity of benzene. Genotoxicity of benzene was investigated at doses of 1/ 40, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5 oral LD50. Antioxidants vitamin C (10 mg/kg b.wt) and crude medicinal plant extracts (P. emblica=1000mg/kg b.wt., A. sativum=1000mg/kg b.wt.) were tested for their ability to minimize genotoxic effects of benzene (at 1/10 LD50 dose), at pre, concurrent and post treatment levels. Statistical analysis was done by ‘student t-test’. Benzene was observed to cause significant increase in number of chromosomal aberrations, percentage of aberrated cells and depression in mitotic-index. P. emblica, A. sativum extracts, and vitamin C significantly reduced all the types of observed abnormalities induced by benzene. They showed best results during pre-treatment. Genotoxicity of benzene was best minimized by A. sativum extract. P. emblica and vitamin C showed more or less similar results. Thus, the daily intake of A. sativum extract might prove to be beneficial in minimizing and providing protection against benzene genotoxicity.
Emergency Tracheotomy - A Life Saving Procedure in Poisoning.
(2011-07) Juliana, Jeyanthi KG
The commonest poisons used in suicide in rural India include organophosphorus pesticides, other pesticides, and toxic plants such as oleander. In urban areas, recently introduced pesticides which are easily available in agricultural shops are the commonest poisons. A rising trend is being noticed of late, of household poisons, especially hair dye being commonly employed. Characteristic features noted in three cases of suicide with Super Vasmol® hair dye in our hospital are discussed in this paper with emphasis on the importance of emergency measures such as tracheotomy to relieve supra-glottic oedema which is not uncommon in such cases.
Non-fatal oleander poisoning: A case report.
(2011-07) Meera, Th; Devi, S Randhoni; Sylvia, A; Shah, MI
In rural India, traditional methods are often employed for treatment of ailments and also for getting rid of unwanted pregnancy. Nerium oleander (common oleander) is one such plant, the leaves and roots of which are used in Indian traditional medicine and the root is often used by rural folk as abortifacient. In this paper, the case of a 20-year old girl who had developed signs and symptoms of oleander poisoning as a result of consumption of a drink prepared by boiling the root of oleander is presented. Even though oleander poisoning has been reported to be a common occurrence in many parts of India, it is a rare occurrence in the State of Manipur.
Recurrent Hypoglycaemia in Organophosphorus Compound Poisoning - An Unusual Complication.
(2011-07) Sheth, Sanket P; Vaishnav, Bhalendu; Desai, Devangi
Organophosphorus compound poisoning commonly presents with muscarinic, nicotinic and central nervous system manifestations. Endocrinal complications of various organophosphorus compounds are rare and cannot be explained by commonly known mechanisms. We report a clinically proven case of organophosphorus compound poisoning in a young male, in whom at least 22 episodes of hypoglycaemia (blood sugar levels in the range of 47–80 mg %) were observed over 2 weeks during his hospi-talization. Hypoglycaemic episodes completely disappeared upon recovery from poisoning. The exact mechanism for such recurrent hypoglycaemia requires detailed evaluation. This report emphasizes the need to observe blood sugar levels in patients with organophosphorus compound poisoning, so as to detect and promptly treat this rare yet important and correctable complication.
Bamboo shoot – Is it edible or poisonous.
(2011-07) Kumar, GN Pramod; Chandrakant, HV; Verghese, Annie Joseph; Manjunatha, B; Balaraj, BM; Murthy, KA Sudharshan
Bamboo is just another grass with an endless list of uses. Bamboo shoot contains a cyanogenic glycoside ‘amygdalin’ composed of glucose, benzaldehyde and cyanide. We present a case of a 14 year old female patient with history of consumption of bamboo shoot extract (juice) who was brought in an unconscious state and admitted to the Department of Medicine in our hospital. She was treated symptomatically with supportive therapy after conducting relevant laboratory investigations. The patient recovered consciousness after 2 days and was discharged after 10 days of admission.
Study of Modes Deployed in Attempted Suicide in the Indian City of Bhopal.
(2011-07) Singh, Keshav; Sahu, RN
The world has witnessed tremendous development in the last few decades. Even in India, the standard of living has improved in general. Literacy rates are improving. More and more people are aspiring for better jobs, better salaries, and higher professional satisfaction. This is pushing society towards materialism. Excessive stress and anxiety to cope with material and professional pressures sometimes lead to suicidal attempts. This retrospective study was conducted in a major city (Bhopal) of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh to analyze the common modes deployed in attempted suicide. The commonest method of attempting suicide was found to be poisoning or drug overdose. Among poisons, orga-nophosphorus compounds top the list on account of their widespread use in agricultural, industrial and domestic situations, making them easily available.
Nanomaterials and Nanotoxicity in the Present Scenario: A Short Review.
(2011-07) Nayar, P G
Nanomaterials have begun to play an integral part of our daily life as they are being increasingly used in medicines, prosthetics, engineering materials, house hold articles, clothes, paints, etc,. At present there are few studies about the hazards of nanoparticles to human health. Ecotoxicological issues due to nanomaterials have received even less attention, which is alarming since production of nanomaterials is progressing at a brisk scale. This review addresses some of the health concerns pertaining to nanomaterials in the light of their tremendous potential for extensive use in various fields.
Assessment of Mercury Contamination of Eloor Region of Periyar River in Kerala by Dithizone Method.
(2011-07) Mohapatra, Sudhesna; Pillay, VV; Arathy, SL
Pollution in Periyar River in Kerala is increasing rapidly and mercury is a major pollutant that is released by the industries situated on its banks. Mercury toxicity is difficult to diagnose and can eventually result in conditions such as Minimata disease if not controlled. An attempt has been made in this study to assess the extent of mercury contamination in the river by dithizone method and compare it with the maximum permissible level for river water. A comparison has also been attempted to assess the extent of mercury contamination of Periyar with that of other contaminated rivers of India. A total of 40 water samples each were collected from 10 different locations of Periyar river at surface level and at 1 metre depth. The samples were analysed by dithizone method of heavy metal extraction with the help of spectrophotometer. The mean mercury value obtained (at both levels) was 0.03 mg/L, which is 30 times more than the permissible level allowed in water (0.001 mg/L). The values obtained at 1m depth are slightly higher than at the surface. The mercury levels are comparable to that of polluted tributaries of other rivers such as Ganga and Yamuna in north India. It is imperative that the use of out-dated, inefficient methods of water treatment should be replaced with controlled release of mercury through separate sewer systems, and employing membrane cells, chitosan and granulated slag as adsorbents.
Isoenzyme Pattern of Creatine Kinase in Acute Organophosphorus Compound Poisoning.
(2011-07) Vijayakumar, P G; Samudram, P; Rajendren, C; Pregna, B
Pesticide poisoning is an important cause of mobidity and mortality in many developing countries. Many organo-phosphorus (OP) pesticide poisoning cases are reported in teaching medical college hospitals of Tamil Nadu every year. Generally, routine biochemical parameters are studied in detail in acute OP poisoning cases. In this study, an attempt was made to study the isoenzyme pattern of serum creatine kinase (CK) in acute OP poisoning. Acute OP cases were classified according to severity of poisoning. Eight cases in each grade (1, 2, 3 & 4) were selected for the study from IMCU and Toxicology ward of Government General Hospital, Chennai between August 2005 and April 2008, and analysed for isoenzyme of CK. Results revealed elevation of 100% CK-MM fraction of CK for Grade 1, 2 & 3 acute OP poisoning cases. Grade 4 cases showed a mild increase in CK-BB and CK-MB fractions along with predominant CK-MM fraction. The increase of CK in acute OP cases is primarily due to respiratory or pulmonary disorder and is not derived from cardiac or skeletal muscles of the body.
Analysis of Pyrethroids in Mosquito Mats, Coils and Spray Canisters.
(2011-07) Merchant, S P; Bhise, R S; Carpenter, Shelina S
Use of mosquito mats, coils and spray are popular methods of avoiding mosquito bites. There are many commercially available mosquito mats, coils and spray canisters which contain pyrethroids, that can cause nervous system toxicity on substantial exposure. Prolonged use of these mosquito repellents can affect human health. When cases of pyrethroid poisoning are reported to a forensic toxicologist, it is very important to be able to extract, isolate, separate and detect the pyrethroid compound. Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) is widely used today for the detection of pyrethroids. More sophisticated techniques such as Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or High Pressure Liquid Chro-matography (HPLC) can be used for the confirmation of the compound. It is therefore important to create a laboratory database, which can be helpful in forensic examinations in future.

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