BMJ  2007;334:629-634 (24 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39134.566979.BE

Clinical Review

Management of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning

Darren M Roberts, clinical researcher1, Cynthia K Aaron, fellowship director2

1 South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Australian National University, 2 Regional Poison Center, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Correspondence to: C K Aaron caaron@dmc.org

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Organophosphorus pesticides are used widely for agriculture, vector control, and domestic purposes. Despite the apparent benefits of these uses acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning is an increasing worldwide problem, particularly in rural areas. Organophosphorus pesticides are the most important cause of severe toxicity and death from acute poisoning worldwide, with more than 200 000 deaths each year in developing countries.1 Although the incidence of severe acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning is much less in developed countries, many patients with acute low dose unintentional or occupational exposures present to health facilities.2 3 We provide an evidence based review of the management of acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning. Risk assessment in patients with acute unintentional poisoning is discussed, in addition to special considerations for severe poisoning.


Acute organophosphorus poisoning may induce multisystem toxicity leading to severe toxicity and death
Poisoning is diagnosed on the basis of history and clinical examination; biochemical investigations can have a role . . . [Full text of this article]



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