Lethal Poison Used in Syria

​The Syrian government recently used what is believed to be sarin on civilians, killing 80 people and injuring many more. (CNN. April 20, 2017; http://cnn.it/2oXX47G.) The use of a nerve agent was confirmed by the Turkish government after examining several bodies during autopsy.Sarin was first developed by the Germans as a pesticide in 1938, and is one of the G-series nerve agents that includes tabun, soman, and cyclosarin. Sarin was also used in a terrorist attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995, killing 12 people. (TIME. March 20, 2015; http://ti.me/2oY3F1Y.) Sarin is an organophosphorus compound similar to what is found in older insecticides, but it is much more potent.Mechanism of Organophosphate (OP) ToxicityOrganophosphates inhibit cholinesterase, which results in the accumulation of acetylcholine and causes nicotinic and muscarinic effects. These receptors can be found in the autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, and neuromuscular junctions.Signs and Symptoms of OP ToxicityThe classic symptoms are unresponsiveness, pinpoint pupils, muscle fasciculations, diaphoresis, emesis, diarrhea, salivation, and lacrimation. Seizures may occur. The most serious symptoms are bronchorrhea and bronchoconstriction, which were seen on videos taken during the attacks in Syria.Treatment for Acute OP ToxicityAirway management is first and foremost the response, whether with simple airway maneuvers or intubation in severe cases. Many of these patients will have significan...
Source: The Tox Cave - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Blog Posts Source Type: blogs