Neuromuscular Effects of Acute Organophosphate Poisoning

Purpose: The knowledge about neuromuscular effects of organophosphate poisoning depends on limited publications and case reports. In this study, we aimed to determine the neuromuscular effects of organophosphate poisoning and the influence of these information in clinical approach and treatment modalities that will guide further studies to prement disability. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study conducted for 2 years with the approval of ethical comittee, 20 patients older than 15 years old who were admitted with cholinergic complaints with suspected organophosphate poisoning were evaluated. After proper primary assesment and treatment Electromyography, Visuel evoked potential, Somatosensory evoked potential were performed to evaluate the neuromuscular affect. Results: Twenty patients, 12 (60%) females and 8 (40%) males were included in our study. Electromyograhy of 20 patients were normal with normal neuromuscular junction functions. Latancy and/or amplitude asymmetry were found in 4 (20%) patients in Visuel evoked potential and 3 (15%) patients in Somatosensory evoked potential. All of the patients were discharged without sequela. Conclusion: There is no evoked potential studies performed in organophosphate poisoning althoung electroneurography repetitive and P300 studies exist in literature. More further studies are needed to evaluate the cardiac and neuromuscular effects of organophosphate poisoning.