Resuscitative challenges in nerve agent poisoning

Eur J Emerg Med. 2003 Sep;10(3):169-75. doi: 10.1097/00063110-200309000-00003.

Abstract

The threat of weapons of mass destruction such as nerve agents has become real since last year. The medical community has established protocols for the rapid evacuation and decontamination of affected civilians. However, protocols for resuscitative measures or acute perioperative care in cases of life-saving surgical interventions in toxic-traumatized casualties are still lacking. The database concerning the effects of nerve agent poisoning in humans is limited, and is largely based on reports of unintentional exposures to pesticide organophosphate poisoning and similar chemical substances. In this review, we summarize the knowledge on the possible pharmacological interactions between nerve agents and acute care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System Agents / poisoning*
  • Chemical Warfare Agents / poisoning*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Poisoning / drug therapy*
  • Research
  • Resuscitation / methods*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Chemical Warfare Agents