Organophosphorus insecticide poisoning

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Neuroscience
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Organophosphorus insecticides (OPI) are a leading cause of poisoning in Sri Lanka.
• OPIs are esterase inhibitors, inducing neurotoxicity through a cholinergic crisis.
• OPI intoxication presents a triphasic neurotoxic effect, including intermediate syndrome and delayed polyneuropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review organophosphorus insecticide poisoning in humans.
• To emphasize clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological studies on OPI poisoning.
• To highlight the triphasic neurotoxic effects and chronic neurobehavioral concerns of OPI exposure.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies on OPI poisoning.
• Analysis of biochemical markers in OPI-affected individuals.
• Electrophysiological assessments in patients with OPI poisoning.
• Examination of long-term neurobehavioral effects.

Main Results:

• OPI poisoning manifests with an acute cholinergic crisis.
• Intermediate syndrome (IMS) occurs 24-96 hours post-exposure.
• Organophosphorus-induced delayed polyneuropathy (OPIDP) develops weeks later.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms and chronic neurobehavioral effects are also observed.

Conclusions:

• OPI poisoning exhibits a complex, triphasic neurotoxic profile.
• Comprehensive clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological evaluations are crucial for managing OPI poisoning.
• Long-term exposure to OPIs warrants further investigation due to potential chronic neurobehavioral consequences.