EXPERIENCES WITH ACUTE ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONINGS IN CRETE

Nine human acute poisonings due to intentional ingestion of organophos phorous pesticides are Six of the victims died. Six patients were trea ted in the intensive Care Unit (ICU) from 34 h to 45 d, while 3 were f ound dead by relatives. Two of the patients treated in the ICU fully r ecovered after 15 and 24 d while the third survivor developed delayed neuropathy. Organophosphate blood levels were determined on admission and during therapy, and in 1 case atropine and pralidoxime levels were also detected. Significant fluctuations of the plasma cholinesterase activity were observed during therapy. Postmortem analysis revealed hi gher levels of pesticide in organs (eg 23.1 mu g fenthion/g kidney) an d in fat (135.2 mu g fenthion/g) than in blood leg 4.8 mu g fenthion/m l) and vitreous humor. Considerable pesticide was measured in testis ( eg 5.8 mu g fenthion/g, 0.8 mu g methidathion/g) and uterus (170.5 mu g malathion/g). Extracorporeal decontamination to enhance pesticide el imination is a therapeutic challenge.