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Dichlorvos poisoning in a pediatric patient: a case report
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Dichlorvos poisoning in a pediatric patient: a case report

Dane Johnson, Mark Poitras, Daniel McCabe and Joshua Trebach
Toxicology communications, Vol.9(1), 2471660
12/31/2025
DOI: 10.1080/24734306.2025.2471660
url
https://doi.org/10.1080/24734306.2025.2471660View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Dichlorvos is an organophosphate compound that is restricted in the United States. Information regarding dichlorvos skin manifestations and pediatric exposures are extremely limited. Case: A nonverbal 15-year-old male with a past medical history of autism spectrum disorder, congenital CMV, and intellectual disability was brought to the emergency department for vomiting. He developed rhinorrhea, blistering skin lesions (on inner thighs), tachypnea, decreasing mental status, and an oxygen requirement. He was started on empiric antibiotics, oxygen, and admitted to the hospital. On hospital day 3, a family member discovered a bottle of “Sniper 1000EC DDVP” insecticide (containing dichlorvos) on a shelf at home with the cap removed and half the product missing. The patient continued to recover and was discharged on hospital day 5. Cholinesterase concentrations sent on hospital day 4 returned with the following values: plasma cholinesterase 0.8 U/mL (ref 2.9 − 7.1) and RBC cholinesterase 2.7 U/mL (ref 7.9 − 17.1). Discussion: Although restricted in the United States, dichlorvos remains a potential source of morbidity. Systemic effects of dichlorvos exposure may be similar to other organophosphate compounds and include vomiting, rhinorrhea, respiratory failure, and decreased mental status. Local effects from dichlorvos or dichlorvos-containing products may lead to chemical burns.
 Dichlorvos organophosphate cholinesterase

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