Electrocardiographic features of Korean carbon disulfide poisoned subjects after discontinuation of exposure.

OBJECTIVE

Mass poisoning by carbon disulfide (CS(2)) was reported at a viscose rayon factory in Korea in the late 1980s; the factory was subsequently closed in 1993. In this study, we evaluated the late electrocardiographic features in the CS(2) poisoned subjects.

METHODS

The cases were composed of 198 retired workers with a history of CS(2) poisoning. An age- and sex-matched reference group was randomly selected from people visiting a hospital for regular health checkups. Intervals, amplitudes and abnormal findings from the electrocardiograms (ECGs) of the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Except for the PQ interval, there were no significant ECG differences between the two groups. The cases exhibited ECG abnormalities more frequently than the reference group. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that CS(2) poisoning was positively associated with the presence of abnormal ECG findings (OR = 1.603; 95% CI, 1.008-2.549).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that CS(2) poisoned subjects may have an increased risk of ECG abnormalities even after the exposure to CS(2) is no longer present.