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Friday, June 3, 2011

Oxygen during treatment of organophosphate poisoning

I am still searching - and I also wrote an email to someone who published a rather detailed paper on the topic (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/167726-overview) hoping for an authoritative answer to the question of whether oxygen should or should not be given. In his article the author has these statements:
  • Mortality rates depend on the type of compound used, amount ingested, general health of the patient, delay in discovery and transport, insufficient respiratory management, delay in intubation, and failure in weaning off ventilatory support.
  • Complications include severe bronchorrhea, seizures, weakness, and neuropathy. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death.
  •  Airway control and adequate oxygenation are paramount in organophosphate (OP) poisonings. Intubation may be necessary in cases of respiratory distress due to laryngospasm, bronchospasm, bronchorrhea, or seizures.
  • Optimizing oxygenation prior to the use of atropine is recommended to minimize the potential for dysrhythmias.
Will let you know what else I can find.....thanks for raising questions like this!

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