[Diagnostic and resuscitative aspects of pediatric nerve agent intoxication]

Chemical warfare and the use of nerve agents are still a threat to the civilian population in the 21st century. Modern history of chemical warfare began in 1915 in the battle of Ypres when German troops used chlorine against the French army. Since then, the arsenal of such agents has included asphyxiates, burn-causing and nerve paralytic agents. Nerve gases are considered the most dangerous of all chemical weapons with little known about the treatment of the civilian population especially children. Management of the civilian population injured by these agents may be a tremendous challenge, especially in children, due to lack of previous data regarding pediatric resuscitation. This review emphasizes resuscitation issues of the child who suffers from multiple trauma and nerve agent poisoning, mainly based on data from reports concerning episodic civilian exposure to organophosphates.