Late sequelae after phosgene poisoning: a literature review

The vast majority of phosgene intoxications (including cases with pulmonary edema) have a good prognosis. However, nearly all patients complain of exertional dyspnea and reduced physical fitness for several months to years after the accident; normalization of lung function values, too, may require several years. Occasional impairment of pulmonary function appears to be dependent more on smoking habits than on the severity of the original intoxication. Pre-existing chronic bronchitis may undergo severe and progressive deterioration after toxic pulmonary edema due to phosgene. Occupational health check-ups (including pulmonary function tests) are recommended for all persons handling irritant gases. Every patient having undergone the inhalation of phosgene or other irritants will ask the question of possible late sequelae. Due to new forms of treatment (glucocorticoids, positive pressure ventilation) the prognosis of severe cases has considerably improved during the last decades. The paper tries to summarize the present state of our knowledge.