Treatments that increase herbicide clearance have been proposed including urinary alkalinisation (which increases renal clearance by ‘ion-trapping’) and haemodialysis (Bradberry et al., 2004). The toxicokinetics of the chlorophenoxy herbicides must be known to determine or interpret the effect of such interventions. Animal studies of acute chlorophenoxy exposures demonstrate non-linear kinetics with high exposures due to dose-dependent changes in distribution and clearance for all herbicides within this group (Arnold and Beasley, 1989). MCPA is subject to dose-dependent saturation of protein

binding in vitro ( Roberts and Buckley, 2007a). While there is a prolonged apparent elimination half-life (t1/2) in animals with larger exposures it is unclear Selleckchem ZVADFMK if this reflects decreased clearance or increased volume of distribution and whether the total and free concentrations are moving in tandem ( Arnold and Beasley, 1989, Roberts and Buckley, 2007a and Roberts et al., 2005). It is necessary to better understand the dose-dependent kinetics in order to interpret changes after treatments that aim to increase clearance. PF-562271 mouse Only two publications have described the kinetics of MCPA in humans, one was a single case of intentional self-poisoning (Schmoldt et al., 1997) and the other was a low-dose volunteer study (Kolmodin-Hedman et al., 1983). Comparison

of the apparent elimination t1/2 from these Thymidylate synthase reports may indicate that MCPA exhibits dose-dependent elimination ( Fig. 1). The authors of this case report attributed the decrease in apparent half-life to treatment with alkaline diuresis ( Schmoldt et al., 1997). However, a change in clearance was not directly quantified and dose-dependent changes in kinetics may explain the profile observed. Details on the kinetics of MCPA are, therefore, of interest to guide research into the clinical management of acute poisoning. In particular, if the elimination of MCPA is confirmed to be prolonged in acute poisoning this will support research into

treatments that enhance elimination. If the unbound concentrations are high this would indicate that haemodialysis might be effective. Here, we describe the plasma kinetics of MCPA in patients with acute intentional self-poisoning. This is an observational study. Patients were identified by on-site study doctors on presentation to Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa Hospitals with a history of acute poisoning. These hospitals provide 24-h medical and nursing care to patients. Patients were regularly reviewed and clinical details were recorded prospectively by on-site study doctors until discharge or death. All patients received supportive care which included supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids, ventilatory and haemodynamic support as required. Antibiotics (usually penicillin and metronidazole) were given when aspiration pneumonitis was suspected clinically.