Two cases of fatal occupational acute severe toxic encephalopathy
10.20001/j.issn.2095-2619.20240813
- VernacularTitle:职业性急性重度中毒性脑病2例死亡病例报道
- Author:
Yu ZHOU
1
;
Qi XU
Author Information
1. Changzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213022, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Acute poisoning;
Toxic encephalopathy;
Personal protection;
Multiple organ failure;
Death
- From:
China Occupational Medicine
2024;51(4):424-427
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To analyze the onset and clinical treatment of two cases of occupational acute severe toxic encephalopathy deaths and to propose key strategies for prevention and treatment. Methods The basic information, on-site occupational health investigation and clinical data of two cases of occupational acute severe toxic encephalopathy deaths were retrospectively analyzed. Results Both cases involved a history of occupational short-term exposure to a large amount of chemicals, due to not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the entire process or not wearing PPE at all. The clinical symptoms of patients were primarily related to neurological damage. Both patients developed severe consciousness disorders, leading to a clear clinical diagnosis of toxic encephalopathy during treatment. Combined with the results of cranial computed tomography, electroencephalogram, head magnetic resonance and other examinations and information from the on-site occupational health survey, both patients were diagnosed as occupational acute severe toxic encephalopathy after excluding similar diseases due to other causes. Multiple organ failure and toxic encephalopathy were the causes of death of these two patients. Conclusion Occupational acute severe toxic encephalopathy is characterized by a rapid onset, quick progression, and high mortality. Proper use of PPE is an effective measure to protect workers' health. Strengthening occupational health supervision in small and micro enterprises is necessary to prevent similar occupational chemical poisoning incidents.
