Kaohsiung J Med Sci
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Kaohsiung J Med Sci · Mar 2007
Organophosphate poisoning: 10 years of experience in southern Taiwan.
Poisoning due to organophosphate pesticides is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although standard treatments involving the administration of atropine and oximes have been used, there remain many controversial areas concerning organophosphate poisoning (OPP). Herein, we present our 10 years of experience in assessing the severity of OPP in southern Taiwan. ⋯ Initial serum CRP, an acute phase reactant, had significant value in assessing the severity of the OPP. Although the management of acute OPP is supportive and the recovery rate is high, anti-cholinergic therapy should be used as soon as possible to counteract muscarinic effects. Physicians must be aware of the potential dangers of respiratory failure, which could occur within 72 hours of OPP.