Accidental ingestion of Vacor rodenticide: the symptoms and sequelae in a 25-month-old child
D. Johnson, P. Kubic and C. Levitt
A recently introduced rodenticide containing N-3-pyridylmethyl
N'-p-nitrophenyl urea (PNU), Vacor, was accidently ingested by a
25-month-old child, resulting in acute vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and
hypoglycemia, as well as chronic evidence of autonomic and peripheral
neuropathy and glucose intolerance. Treatment with niacinamide
(nicotinamide), may have been of benefit since all problems were resolved
within three months of ingestion. This agent (PNU) is remarkably similar
chemically and toxicologically to alloxan and streptozocin, both potent
beta-cell toxins. These similarities are not only important in regard to
the antodite for PNU, but they also suggest that the toxin m,y cause
long-term endocrinologic, neurlogic, and oncologic problems.
