Abstract

Organophosphorus poisoning is of great importance in the field of medicine due to its frequent use in agriculture, the poisoning by exposure to these agents can be occupational, accidental, and frequently due to voluntary intake. Organophosphorus’ intake most notable effects are produced by the inhibition of the acetyl cholinesterase, responsible for hydrolyzing acetyl choline.

Clinical manifestations of acute intoxication typically include bronchorrhea, salivation, lacrimation, bronchospasm, defecation, emesis, miosis, among others and they occur due to the stimulation of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Diagnosis is made through the interrogation and physical examination, in addition to the detection of acetyl cholinesterase levels or the organophosphates’ metabolites in blood testing.

Management includes decontamination of the agent, review of respiratory status and access to ventilatory support, followed by pharmacological treatment that includes the use of atropine, pralidoxime and diazepam.

The present article constitutes a bibliographic review about the organophosphorus intoxication, its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment.

Key words: Poisoning; organophosphorus compounds; acetylcholinesterase; antidote