Effectiveness of Household Lockable Pesticide Storage to Reduce Pesticide Self-Poisoning in Rural Asia: a Community-Based Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial

Background Agricultural pesticide self-poisoning is a major public health problem in rural Asia. The use of safer household pesticide storage has been promoted to prevent deaths, but there is no evidence of effectiveness. We aimed to test the effectiveness of lockable household containers for prevention of pesticide self-poisoning. Methods We did a community-based, cluster-randomised controlled trial in a rural area of North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Clusters of households were randomly assigned (1:1), with a sequence computer-generated by a minimisation process, to intervention or usual practice (control) groups. Intervention households that had farmed or had used or stored pesticide in the preceding agricultural season were given a lockable storage container. Further promotion of use of the containers was restricted to community posters and 6-monthly reminders during routine community meetings. The primary outcome was incidence of pesticide self-poisoning in people aged 14 years or older during 3 years of follow-up. Identification of outcome events was done by staff who were unaware of group allocation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT1146496. Findings Between Dec 31, 2010, and Feb 2, 2013, we randomly assigned 90 rural villages to the intervention group and 90 to the control group. 27 091 households (114 168 individuals) in the intervention group and 26 291 households (109 693 individuals) in the control group consented to participate. 20 457 household pesticide storage containers were distributed. In individuals aged 14 years or older, 611 cases of pesticide self-poisoning had occurred by 3 years in the intervention group compared with 641 cases in the control group; incidence of pesticide self-poisoning did not differ between groups (293·3 per 100 000 person-years of follow-up in the intervention group vs 318·0 per 100 000 in the control group; rate ratio [RR] 0·93, 95% CI 0·80–1·08; p=0·33). We found no evidence of switching from pesticide self-poisoning to other forms of self-harm, with no significant difference in the number of fatal (82 in the intervention group vs 67 in the control group; RR 1·22, 0·88–1·68]) or non-fatal (1135 vs 1153; RR 0·97, 0·86–1·08) self-harm events involving all methods. Interpretation We found no evidence that means reduction through improved household pesticide storage reduces pesticide self-poisoning. Other approaches, particularly removal of highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural practice, are likely to be more effective for suicide prevention in rural Asia

A community-based cluster randomised trial of safe storage to reduce pesticide self-poisoning in rural Sri Lanka: study protocol

BACKGROUND: The WHO recognises pesticide poisoning to be the single most important means of suicide globally. Pesticide self-poisoning is a major public health and clinical problem in rural Asia, where it has led to case fatality ratios 20-30 times higher than self-poisoning in the developed world. One approach to reducing access to pesticides is for households to store pesticides in lockable "safe-storage" containers. However, before this approach can be promoted, evidence is required on its effectiveness and safety. METHODS/DESIGN: A community-based cluster randomised controlled trial has been set up in 44,000 households in the North Central Province, Sri Lanka. A census is being performed, collecting baseline demographic data, socio-economic status, pesticide usage, self-harm and alcohol. Participating villages are then randomised and eligible households in the intervention arm given a lockable safe storage container for agrochemicals. The primary outcome will be incidence of pesticide self-poisoning over three years amongst individuals aged 14 years and over. 217,944 person years of follow-up are required in each arm to detect a 33% reduction in pesticide self-poisoning with 80% power at the 5% significance level. Secondary outcomes will include the incidence of all pesticide poisoning and total self-harm. DISCUSSION: This paper describes a large effectiveness study of a community intervention to reduce the burden of intentional poisoning in rural Sri Lanka. The study builds on a strong partnership between provincial health services, local and international researchers, and local communities. We discuss issues in relation to randomisation and contamination, engaging control villages, the intervention, and strategies to improve adherence

Paraquat poisoning in Sri Lanka

Self poisoning is a major medical problem in Asia. Patients are treated at rural, ill equipped hospitals which are under staffed- both in terms of numbers and training. Paraquat, a popular herbicide that has become an integral part of agriculture has been the most lethal pesticide in Sri Lanka and many other parts of Asia due to its very high case fatality (>70%). Paraquat self poisoning posed many challenges to both physicians and researchers. The natural history had been described only in one small case series reported in the West. The mechanism of toxicity of paraquat poisoning and treatment methods available had not been comprehensively reviewed to prioritise and design new antidote trials. The best way to estimate prognosis was unclear as prior studies did not directly compare the various markers of prognosis and many tests proposed were not widely available. The most widely used treatment for paraquat poisoning is immunosuppression with cyclophosphamide, dexamethasone and methylprednisolone. This treatment had however not been shown to work in an adequately powered RCT. This thesis presents a comprehensive review of the literature on paraquat poisoning and data from a cohort of 605 patients. The natural history and evolution of paraquat self poisoning is described and dozens of clinical and biochemical markers of prognosis were evaluated to create a simple decision support tool to aid determination of prognosis. A double blind randomized controlled clinical trial demonstrated that immunosuppression was ineffective in reducing mortality. A phase I/II trial with intravenous salicylate highlighted that this is a promising new treatment that requires further evaluation in larger trials

Confirmed Ceylon krait (Bungarus ceylonicus) envenoming in Sri Lanka resulting in neuromuscular paralysis: a case report

Abstract Background Ceylon krait (Bungarus ceylonicus) is a venomous elapid snake endemic to Sri Lanka. It inhabits shaded home gardens and forests in the wet zone of Sri Lanka and might creep into houses in the night. Despite frequent encounters with humans, reports of envenoming are very rare. Case presentation We report a case of a 26-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese man with confirmed Ceylon krait envenoming presenting with bilateral partial ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, facial muscle weakness, and dysphagia. Single fiber electromyography and repetitive nerve stimulation confirmed neuromuscular paralysis. He was administered polyvalent anti-venom serum immediately following admission without a prompt clinical response. Complete recovery was observed 3 days following the bite. Conclusions Because of the rarity of envenoming, precise and detailed information on the clinical manifestations following envenoming is lacking. However, Ceylon krait bite can be potentially fatal; so, treating physicians should be aware of species identification, habitat, and biting habits and clinical presentation of envenoming of Ceylon krait. This case report adds knowledge to the existing limited literature available on Ceylon krait envenoming; a rare but potentially fatal clinical entity

Dengue hemorrhagic fever complicated with acute liver failure: a case report

Abstract Background Dengue is a common arboviral infection with a clinically diverse spectrum of presentations. Although hepatic dysfunction is commonly identified in patients will dengue illness, acute liver failure is rare. The etiopathogenesis of hepatic dysfunction is multifactorial and related to direct viral invasion of hepatocytes, immunological factors and hypoxia particularly in cases of shock in dengue hemorrhagic fever. Ideal management of dengue-related hepatic dysfunction and acute liver failure is still debated. Case presentation We report a 53-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese male with serologically confirmed dengue fever presenting with evidence of plasma leakage developing acute liver failure evidenced by deranged liver functions, coagulopathy and altered sensorium. In addition to the ‘standard care’, the patient was managed with intravenous N-acetyl cysteine and blood transfusions even in the absence of bleeding or dropping packed cell volume (PCV), targeting a higher PCV in anticipation of better oxygenation at tissue level. He made a full recovery with no sequential infections. Conclusion N-acetyl cysteine and packed cell transfusion aiming at a higher PCV to maintain adequate tissue perfusion during shock may be beneficial in acute liver failure due to dengue virus. Large randomized trials should be carried out to establish the efficacy of these treatment strategies to support these observations and change the current practice

Dengue hemorrhagic fever complicated with transient diabetic ketoacidosis: a case report

Abstract Background The increasing global prevalence of both dengue and diabetes may warrant closer observation for glycemic control and adapted fluid management to diminish the risk for a severe clinical presentation of dengue. Dengue illness is rarely known to precipitate diabetic ketoacidosis among diabetic patients. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by various mechanisms and increase the risk of plasma leak in dengue fever. Acute pancreatitis is an atypical and rare presentation of dengue fever. We report a case of transient diabetic ketoacidosis in a previously well man which was challenging for the treating physician. Case presentation A 26-year-old previously healthy Sri Lankan Sinhalese man presented to hospital with dengue hemorrhagic fever in compensated shock. He was found to have diabetic ketoacidosis and was managed with hydration and insulin infusion. Following recovery from dengue shock, his sugars normalized and ketogenesis stopped without exogenous insulin. Conclusions Transient hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis, such as in our patient, has not been reported in the literature. Dengue virus inducing a transient pancreatitis during the viremic phase, however, is a possibility

Rare presentation of rickettsial infection as purpura fulminans: a case report

Abstract Background Purpura fulminans is an acute life-threatening disorder characterized by intravascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction of the skin complicated with disseminated intravascular coagulation. It is commonly seen in acute infections following meningococcal and streptococcal infections. Few cases of purpura fulminans following rickettsial infections have been described in the literature. Case presentation We report a case of a 55-year-old Sri Lankan woman who presented to Teaching Hospital Peradeniya with a febrile illness, headache, and myalgia that progressed to an erythematous rash starting over the bilateral lover limbs and hands and that became black and necrotic with a few hemorrhagic blebs. She had normocytic anemia, platelet clumps, and monocytosis as well as a deranged clotting profile. The result of immunofluorescence antibody testing for rickettsial immunoglobulin G was strongly positive for Rickettsia conorii with a rise in titer convalescent sera, and a diagnosis of purpura fulminans following rickettsial infection was made. The patient made an excellent recovery with chloramphenicol treatment. Conclusions The treating physician should consider the rare but very treatable condition of rickettsial infection as a differential diagnosis in the etiological diagnostic workup of patients presenting with severe purpuric and hemorrhagic rash with fever

Fever with lymphadenopathy – Kikuchi Fujimoto disease, a great masquerader: a case report

Abstract Background Kikuchi Fujimoto disease is an uncommon benign condition of necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis commonly seen in East Asian and Japanese populations. It commonly presents with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and elevated inflammatory markers. Diagnosis of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease is based on histopathological studies of the involved lymph nodes. The presentation of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease can mimic many sinister conditions including lymphoma. Treatment is mainly supportive provided that accurate diagnosis is made and sinister conditions like lymphoma ruled out. Case presentation We report the case of an 18-year-old Sri Lankan Moor woman who presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy for 1 month. She had elevated inflammatory markers with high lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin levels. She had an extensive work-up including an excision biopsy of an involved lymph node and bone marrow biopsy. Finally, a diagnosis of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease was based on histopathology of the lymph node and negative bone marrow biopsy. Conclusions Although Kikuchi Fujimoto disease is a self-limiting condition, it is a great masquerader which mimics the clinical features of many sinister conditions including tuberculosis, lymphoma, and adult-onset Still’s disease. Early recognition of the disease is of crucial importance in minimizing potentially harmful and unnecessary evaluations and treatments

Fever with pancytopenia: unusual presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis: a case report

Abstract Background Tuberculosis is a major health problem in the developing world. Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is delayed because the presentation is nonspecific. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis can present with various hematological manifestations, including pancytopenia. Pancytopenia could be due to hypersplenism, maturation arrest, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or infiltration of the bone marrow by caseating or noncaseating granulomas causing reversible or irreversible fibrosis. Case presentation We report a case of a 56-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese man who presented with pyrexia of known origin with significant loss of weight and loss of appetite. He had mild pallor with mild hepatosplenomegaly. He had high inflammatory markers with pancytopenia in a peripheral blood smear. His chest radiograph was unremarkable, and he had a negative Mantoux test result. A diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis was made on the basis of caseating tuberculous granulomas in the bone marrow. Conclusions Disseminated tuberculosis remains a diagnostic challenge because the presentation is vague and nonspecific. In case of pyrexia of unknown origin with peripheral cytopenia, the possibility of disseminated tuberculosis should be considered, particularly in endemic areas. Simultaneous culture and histopathological examination of the bone marrow is important in such instances, because results of common tests such as chest radiography or Mantoux tests can be negative