Organophosphate Poisoning: Review of Prognosis and Management

Abstract

The high annual mortality rate of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning indicates that the treatment is mostly ineffective in this regard. It has been suggested to add calcium channel blocking (CCB) drugs or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) to normal care to decrease the release of acetylcholine (ACh) at the cholinergic synapse. Moreover, the diagnosis of OP poisoning is chiefly based on clinical evidence. Oximes and atropine are the recognized antidotes of OP. However, low-priced medications such as MgSO4 and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), as well as novel adjunct therapies, have been introduced recently. Furthermore, antioxidants are recommended for managing OP poisoning. In addition, hemoperfusion, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and K-oximes are a number of innovative management modalities that deserve further evaluation. However, prevention seems to be the most effective management modality in this respect. Therefore, this study aimed to briefly discuss the controversies in OP poisoning management and present recent advances in its management and prognosis. The results of this study revealed that multiple factors including type of exposure, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plasma level, time of hospitalization, and severity confirming OP poisoning should be considered to provide the best treatment strategy.