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Highlights & Basics
- Organophosphate poisoning can occur due to occupational or accidental exposure, deliberate ingestion, or chemical warfare with nerve gases.
- Presentation is highly variable due to differences in dose, agent toxicity, and type of exposure.
- Diagnosis is usually based on a history of exposure, with characteristic signs of cholinergic excess, but can be difficult when the patient is inadvertently exposed, unconscious, or confused.
- Standard treatment is resuscitation, supportive care, decontamination, and use of atropine.
- Accidental or occupational exposures nearly always have a favorable outcome.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
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Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
Eddleston M, Buckley NA, Eyer P, et al. Management of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Lancet. 2008 Feb 16;371(9612):597-607.[Abstract][Full Text]
Lavonas EJ, Akpunonu PD, Arens AM, et al. 2023 American Heart Association focused update on the management of patients with cardiac arrest or life-threatening toxicity due to poisoning: an update to the American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation. 2023 Oct 17;148(16):e149-84.[Abstract][Full Text]
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