The "intermediate syndrome" as critical sequelae of organophosphate poisoning: The first report of two cases in Thailand

Abstract

The authors report 2 cases of organophosphate poisoning which developed intermediate syndrome. The first case was a man who took an organophosphate insecticide, monocrotophos, and developed severe organophosphate poisoning. Respiratory support was needed. He was treated with atropine and 2-PAM. Weakness of neck muscles, proximal limb and respiratory muscle developed in the 3 rd day after ingestion. By supportive treatment and careful monitoring, however, he recovered after 11 days of the poisoning. The second case was a lady who took dicrotophos. She developed severe organophosphate poisoning for which respiratory support was also needed. High dose of atropine, but without 2-PAM, was administered. She developed bulbar palsy, proximal muscle and respiratory weakness 3 day after the ingestion. Ventilation support was needed for 13 days before weaning was successful. This report did not support an efficacy of pralidoxime (2-PAM) in alleviation of the intermediate syndrome, but aims to alert physicians to recognize the intermediate syndrome for which adequate respiratory care is the crucial key for its management.