Organophosphate poisoning and management, an update.
Organophosphate poisoning is characterised for the most part, by acute incidents. Management is by way of first aid (in mild poisoning) and use of atropine with or without the oximes, (in moderate to severe poisoning). Of late, it has become apparent that subchronic and chronic organophosphate poisoning are a common manifestation. This review paper summarises this triphasic nature of organophosphate poisoning. Possible future diagnostic and management techniques are also discussed.
Nhachi
C F
CF
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Zimbabwe School of Medicine, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
D000208:Acute Disease; D002802:Cholinesterases / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015030:Zimbabwe
D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D002802:Cholinesterases