From the Guidelines
Pyrethroid poisoning can have severe effects on human health, particularly on neurodevelopment and behavior, and its use should be strictly regulated and monitored. The effects of pyrethroid poisoning can be detrimental, especially in children and pregnant women, as recent studies suggest that prenatal pyrethroid pesticide exposures may increase the risk of adverse neurodevelopment and behaviors and negative emotions 1.
Key Effects of Pyrethroid Poisoning
- Adverse neurodevelopment and behaviors
- Negative emotions
- Potential risks to children’s neurodevelopment
- Toxic effects from substitute or replacement chemicals
Recommendations for Reducing Exposure
- Reduce prenatal and childhood exposures to pyrethroid pesticides
- Implement strong regulatory action to limit the use of pyrethroid pesticides
- Promote education, pesticide labeling, public health surveillance, and regulatory action to minimize exposure 1
Treatment and Prevention
- Decontamination by removing contaminated clothing and washing the affected skin with soap and water
- Supportive care, including maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation
- Prevention includes wearing protective clothing when handling insecticides and storing these products safely away from children and food
- Recent rodent laboratory studies and epidemiologic studies suggest that prenatal pyrethroid pesticide exposures may also increase the risk of adverse neurodevelopment and behaviors and negative emotions 1
Clinical Considerations
- Pyrethroids work by prolonging the opening of sodium channels in nerve cells, causing hyperexcitation of the nervous system
- Most patients recover completely within 1-3 days with proper supportive care
- It is essential to prioritize the reduction of pyrethroid pesticide exposure to minimize its harmful effects on human health, particularly on neurodevelopment and behavior.
From the Research
Effects of Pyrethroid Poisoning
The effects of pyrethroid poisoning can be severe and varied. Some of the main effects include:
- Paraesthesiae, which is a sensation of tingling or numbness in the skin, often affecting the face [ 2 ]
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain [ 2 ]
- Systemic effects such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue [ 2 ]
- Seizures and coma in severe cases [ 2, 3 ]
- Respiratory failure requiring ventilator care [ 4 ]
- Hypotension, pneumonia, acute kidney injury, and death in some cases [ 4 ]
Predictors of Atypical Presentations
Some predictors of atypical presentations of pyrethroid poisoning include:
Treatment and Management
Treatment for pyrethroid poisoning is generally supportive and symptomatic [ 3 ]. Some cases may require intravenous lipid emulsion [ 5 ] or other specific treatments. Management may also involve orotracheal intubation, vasopressors, and admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in severe cases [ 5, 6 ].