Abstract :
Background: Individuals have the chance to get exposed to organophosphates either at domestic, or
industrial spheres. Organophosphate poisoning is a worldwide problem. Organophosphate insecticides
inhibit Cholinesterase enzymatic activity. Chlorpyrifos, Phorate 10% granules and Monocrotophos are
insecticides and pesticides commonly used in India by farmers.
Aim: The present study aims at determining the effect oforganophosphate compounds on thyroid profile in
individuals exposed to acute poisoning.
Materials and Methods: In this study, those individuals who were acutely presented at the emergency
department, SVS Medical College, Mahabubnagar, with a history of intentional or accidental intake of
either chlorpyrifos or Phorate 10% granules or Monocrotophos (Organophosphorus compounds) were
taken as cases. Intake of these compounds was confirmed by analyzing serum cholinesterase levels.
Those patients having a serum cholinesterase levels value below 4000 U/L were included in this study.
Simultaneously, the sample was analyzed for thyroid profile that includes Total triiodothyronine (TT3),
Total tetraiodothyronine (TT4) and Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Reanalyzing of thyroid profile
was done after a time gap of one month from the day of discharge from hospital after recovery.
Results: Total T3, Total T4 and TSH values showed statistically significant change (p-value
between the acute poisoning phase and one month follow up phase of after recovery.
Conclusion: Total T4 values are significantly higher in acute organophosphorus poisoned phase mimicking
thyrotoxicosis, and return to normal biological reference range after recovery, whereas TSH values in acute
opiates poisoned phase were significant lower than that of recovery phase.
Keyword :
Organophosphorus compounds (OPC), Total triiodothyronine(TT3), Total tetraiodothyronine(TT4), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Cholinesterase enzyme.