Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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Learning Objectives |
Upon completion of this section, you should be able to
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Introduction |
Monitoring and intensive supportive care are critical components of patient management in severe poisoning cases. Monitoring of exposed patients may need to be prolonged because of the possibility of delayed onset of effects from cholinesterase inhibitors. |
Importance of Respiratory Support |
Death from cholinesterase inhibitor poisoning is usually due to respiratory failure from a combination of: (Zwiener and Ginsburg 1988; Sofer, Tal et al. 1989; Reigart and Roberts 1999)
Therefore, early, aggressive respiratory support is a mainstay of treatment, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation when indicated. |
Key Points |
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Progress Check |