Paralytic ileus as a complication of atropine therapy following severe organophosphate poisoning.
A 32-year-old man presented with symptoms of severe organophosphate poisoning and required an atropine infusion for 5 weeks. We believe the development of a paralytic ileus occurred as a rare feature of atropine toxicity when other signs were masked by the underlying condition. The onset of a paralytic ileus coincided with a spontaneous increase in red cell cholinesterase levels and may be an early sign of recovery from organophosphate poisoning.
Intensive Care Unit, Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa.
S C
SC
Beards
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P
Kraus
J
J
Lipman
D000328:Adult; D001285:Atropine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D007418:Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D001285:Atropine; D002802:Cholinesterases