NEAR FATAL AMITRAZ: A NOT SO UNCOMMON POISONING

Abstract

Background: Amitraz is a pharmaceutical, veterinary, and agricultural product which is used worldwide to control ectoparasites in animals. Its widespread use has led to increased cases of poisoning in rural parts of India. Aim: To study the clinical features, complications, laboratory abnormalities and outcome of the patients with acute amitraz intoxication. Methodology: The study is a retrospective case series study conducted in HSK hospital between the period of Feb 2019 and May 2020. Results: A total of 11 patients were analysed and results revealed CNS depression and vomiting in 8 of those patients with 1 patient with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Amitraz poisoning appears to be severe with CNS depression being the most common symptom. But most patients stabilise and recover quickly. Patients should be monitored for respiratory failure as it is a dreadful complication. Treatment is symptomatic as no antidote is available.