Countermeasures in organophosphorus intoxication: pitfalls and prospects

Abstract

High lethality, fast action, and simple synthesis make nerve agents (NAs) the most dreaded chemical weapons (CWs) of mass destruction in the world. Disturbances of the autonomic nervous system and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) by NAs and organophosphorus (OP) insecticides lead to cholinergic crisis and skeletal muscle paralysis. Current medical intervention has remained mostly unchanged since their first discovery in the 1950s. Within this overview, we have followed their development, clinical successes, and failures and discuss the major demerits of available antidotes. In current times, with precision medicine becoming increasingly relevant in various fields of medicine, the antidotal approach should be broadened to better cope with individual cases of NA intoxication. When possible, countermeasures could be targeted directly to achieve a better patient prognosis. As the threat of NA misuse and accidental cases of OP insecticide intoxication are still omnipresent, advancement of intervention expertise and further research in this field should be supported.

Keywords: acetylcholinesterase; atropine; insecticides; nerve agents; organophosphorus; oxime reactivators.