Journal of Nepal Health Research Council
-
Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are widely used for agriculture, domestic pest-control and chemical warfare. Pesticide self-poisoning accounts for one-sixth to one-eighth of the world's suicides and a third of suicide deaths in rural Asia each year. OP pesticides inhibit cholinesterase enzymes leading to overstimulation of cholinergic receptors. ⋯ Oximes reactivate cholinesterase enzymes and help to overcome even the nicotinic effects of OP poisoning. However, evidence for its effectiveness after self-poisoning is weak. Although several newer adjuvant therapies are tried to achieve better outcome, their potential benefits are not yet established.