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Citation
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Ozdemir T, Isik L, Meric N, Ogus C, Dosemeci L, Ramazanoglu A, Artvinli M. Int. Med. J. 1999; 6(4): 299-302. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the respiratory system complications in acute organophosphate insecticide poisoning.
DESIGN: Prospective study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1990 to December 1995, 59 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of acute organophosphate poisoning admitted to Akdeniz University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The cause of poisoning, symtoms and signs of the patients and respiratory system complications were assessed.
RESULTS: Suicidal attempt was the commonest cause of poisoning (81.4), The common symptoms were nausea and hypersalivation (45.8 and 40.7, respectively). The common signs were mental confusion and miosis (64.4 and 59.3, respectively). Respiratory system complications occurred in 34 of 59 cases (57.6). Pneumonia was recorded in 17 cases (28.8), acute pulmonary edema in 8 (13.6) and bronchospasm in 2 cases (3.4). Of 59 patients 27 developed respiratory failure (45.8). Pneumonia accompanied respiratory failure in 14 of 27 cases and acute pulmonary edema in 6. In the remaining 7 cases, the only clinical finding was respiratory failure. Respiratory failure developed more commonly in life-threatening cases of poisoning when compared with severe and mild cases (p < 0.001). The overall mortality rate was 22 in acute organophosphate poisoning and respiratory failure developed in all these cases.
CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be careful against probable respiratory system complications in acute organophosphate poisoning and in order to reduce the mortality rates, treatment modalities should be applied as quickly as possible and respiratory support should be given when necessary.
Language: en |