Rationale:
Glyphosate-surfactant herbicides (GlySH) are non-selective herbicides that are extensively used worldwide. A recent case report on GlySH poisoning suggested successful resuscitation upon using intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) for refractory hypotension. The efficacy of ILE in GlySH poisoning remains unproven due to a lack of randomized controlled trials, and further evidence is required to clarify the mechanism by which ILE may reverse hypotension in GlySH poisoning.
Patient concerns:
A 46-year-old man presented to the emergency department 45 min following ingestion of approximately 200 cc of GlySH. On arrival, his vital signs were as follows: blood pressure, 82/50 mmHg and pulse, 85 beats/min. Hypotension did not respond to fluid resuscitation and norepinephrine infusion; his cardiac output (CO) was 4.5 L/min and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was 604 dynes·s·cm with blood pressure of 63/35 mmHg.
Diagnosis:
GlySH poisoning presented with refractory hypotension.
Interventions:
A bolus (100 mL) of ILE was infused with subsequent infusion of 400 mL over 4 h.
Outcomes:
A few minutes following the bolus of ILE, his blood pressure increased to 101/54 mmHg with CO of 6.5 L/min and SVR of 701 dynes·s·cm. Blood pressure, CO, and stroke volume increased gradually over next 8.5 h. His clinical status improved gradually, and norepinephrine could be tapered on hospital day (HD) 3. The patient was discharged at HD 10 without sequelae.
Lessons:
ILE could be used as a rescue treatment in case of a poor response to conventional fluid and vasopressor therapy. The underlying mechanism of rescue with ILE might be a positive inotropic effect.