title: Organophosphate poisoning.
abstract: Organophosphates are commonly used as pesticides around the world. Exposures to organophosphates cause a significant number of poisonings and deaths each year. Organophosphates bind and inhibit cholinesterase enzymes. Acute toxicity manifests as a cholinergic crisis with excessive glandular secretions, altered mental status, and weakness. Several delayed syndromes have also been associated with organophosphate exposure, including a myasthenic-like syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, and extrapyramidal disorders. Clinical features and management of organophosphate poisoning is reviewed with emphasis on those affecting the central and peripheral nervous system.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Departments of Emergency Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Rusyniak
authors.forename: Kristine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Nañagas
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds
chemical_list: D007306:Insecticides; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds