Insect repellent (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) cardiovascular toxicity in an adult.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)-induced cardiovascular toxicity in an adult and reviews other cases that have been reported in the published literature. Human and animal data available on DEET pharmacokinetics are reviewed and factors that predispose an individual to DEET toxicity are identified.


METHODS
Case report information was obtained through personal contact with the patient during hospitalization and by telephone, and also from the patient's medical records. Computerized literature searches were conducted with the following systems to obtain medical literature on DEET toxicity: TOXLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and MEDLINE. Index Medicus was searched manually.


METHODS
All reported cases of DEET toxicity in children and adults were reviewed.


METHODS
Case reports were evaluated for the quantity of the DEET exposure (topical or oral), the clinical manifestations of the exposure, and the outcome of the exposure.


RESULTS
This case is similar in some aspects to those already in the literature; however, very few cases of DEET toxicity in adults have been reported. Cardiovascular toxicity in humans related to DEET application has not been previously reported in the published medical literature. DEET exposure (topical or oral) results in a highly variable clinical course. Whether the outcome is death or recovery without sequelae is difficult to predict.


CONCLUSIONS
Adults, as well as children, are at risk for toxicity from insect repellents. The use of highly concentrated DEET-containing insect repellents should be avoided to reduce the risk of toxicity in both children and adults. The consequences of DEET toxicity are variable and unpredictable.
Clem
J R
JR
Scott & White Hospital, Temple, TX 75608.
Havemann
D F
DF
Raebel
M A
MA
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003671:DEET / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000506:poisoning*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000150:complications; D014839:Vomiting / Q000150:complications
D003671:DEET