Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:09
Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
Organophosphorus poisoning (acute).
1Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 18, 2011
Summary
This systematic review examines treatments for acute organophosphorus poisoning, evaluating interventions like atropine and oximes. Evidence quality was assessed using GRADE to determine the effectiveness and safety of various therapies for organophosphate exposure.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents cause acute poisoning via acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
- Poisoning can lead to severe dysfunction, including seizures, coma, and respiratory failure.
- Prognosis is influenced by compound toxicity and pharmacokinetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effects of treatments for acute organophosphorus poisoning.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of various interventions.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic review of literature up to April 2010.
- Searched major databases including Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library.
- Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA.
Main Results:
- Included 62 systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.
- Performed GRADE evaluation to assess the quality of evidence for interventions.
Conclusions:
- Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of numerous interventions.
- Interventions reviewed include activated charcoal, atropine, benzodiazepines, oximes, and more.
- Highlights the need for evidence-based treatment strategies for organophosphate poisoning.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment
Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
01:22Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics
Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists, or anticholinesterases, enhance the body's cholinergic activity by inhibiting acetylcholine's breakdown. They are categorized as reversible or irreversible agents based on their mechanism of action. They are further classified into short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting agents based on their duration of action.
Reversible agents containing quaternary amines, such as neostigmine and edrophonium, are not easily absorbed orally because they are...
Reversible agents containing quaternary amines, such as neostigmine and edrophonium, are not easily absorbed orally because they are...
01:30Toxidromes: Clinical Features
Toxidromes are specific patterns of symptoms resulting from toxic substance exposure. They help in the identification and treatment of poisoning. The symptoms of each toxidrome group indicate poisoning by a certain class of chemicals or drugs.1. Sympathomimetic: Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms include agitation, increased heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), respiratory rate (RR), temperature, and pupil size. Drugs like cocaine and amphetamines, along with tremors and...
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
01:22Botulism
Botulism is a life-threatening neuroparalytic condition caused by botulinum neurotoxin, which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, a Gram-positive, spore-forming, obligate anaerobe.In adults, the toxin enters the body in different ways: in foodborne botulism, the preformed toxin is absorbed in the intestine. In wound botulism, spores grow in injured tissue and release the toxin into the blood. Infant botulism differs mechanistically from adult forms. In infants, botulism commonly...