Biochemical and clinical profile after organophosphorus poisoning--a placebo-controlled trial using pralidoxime.
BACKGROUND
Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are the most common suicidal poison in developing countries and mortality continues to be high.


METHODS
A study was done to see butyryl cholinesterase (BuChE) profile after OP poisoning in pralidoxime (P2AM) and placebo treated cases. Highest recommended dose of P2AM was used to study the reactivation of cholinesterase. Clinical outcomes like, correlation of BuChE and severity of poisoning, mortality and complications like Type I and II paralysis, need for ventilation and ICU stay were also studied.


RESULTS
Twenty one cases of moderate and severe poisoning with OP compounds were included in the study. Mean BuChE levels came up gradually over 6-7 days, some taking up to two weeks. There was no. difference between the treatment and placebo groups. BuChE levels did not correlate with severity of poisoning nor did it correlate with Type I or II paralysis, need for ventilation, ICU stay or mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with P2AM does not make any difference in BuChE reactivation or complications of moderate and severe OP poisoning. We have not been using P2AM for OP poisoning in our medical ICU with good patient outcomes.
Cherian
M A
MA
Dept. of Biochemistry, Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore 632 004, Tamil Nadu, India.
Roshini
C
C
Visalakshi
J
J
Jeyaseelan
L
L
Cherian
A M
AM
D000931:Antidotes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002091:Butyrylcholinesterase / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000506:poisoning; D002801:Cholinesterase Reactivators / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D062025:Organophosphate Poisoning; D010575:Pesticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy; D011220:Pralidoxime Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents; D002801:Cholinesterase Reactivators; D010575:Pesticides; D011220:Pralidoxime Compounds; D002091:Butyrylcholinesterase; C028797:pralidoxime