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Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Including Insecticides and Chemical Warfare Nerve Agents
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Course: WB 1098
CE Original Date: October 16, 2007
CE Renewal Date: October 16, 2010
CE Expiration Date: October 16, 2012
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Key Concepts

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors are a class of compounds that includes chemical warfare nerve agents and certain insecticides.
  • Fatalities occur mainly due to effects on respiration due depression of respiratory drive, paralysis of muscles of respiration, bronchoconstriction, and airway obstruction from profuse respiratory tract secretions.
  • Treatment includes the use of atropine, 2-PAM, diazepam, and aggressive supportive care.

About This and Other Case Studies in Environmental Medicine

This educational case study document is one in a series of self-instructional courses designed to increase the primary care provider's knowledge of hazardous substances in the environment and to promote the adoption of medical practices that aid in the evaluation and care of potentially exposed patients. The complete series of Case Studies in Environmental Medicine is located on the ATSDR Web site at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.html. In addition, the downloadable PDF [PDF - 1.88 MB] version of this educational series and other environmental medicine materials provides content in an electronic, printable format, especially for those who may lack adequate Internet service.

How to Apply for and Receive Continuing Education Credit

Please navigate to Training and Continuing Education Online for more information about continuing medical education credits, continuing nursing education credits, and other continuing education units.

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the work that the medical writers, editors, and reviewers have provided to produce this educational resource. Listed below are those who have contributed to development of this version of the Case Study in Environmental Medicine.

Please Note: Each content expert for this case study has indicated that there is no conflict of interest to disclose that would bias the case study content.

ATSDR Authors: Erik Auf Der Heide, MD

ATSDR Planners: Valerie J. Curry, MS; John Doyle, MPA; Bruce J. Fowler, Ph.D.; Kimberly Gehle, MD; Sharon L. Hall, Ph.D.; Michael Hatcher, DrPH; Kimberly Jenkins, BA; Ronald T. Jolly; Delene Roberts, MSA; Brian Tencza, MS.

ATSDR Commenters: Susan Gorman, PharmD, SB; Paul Joe, M.D.; Nickolette Roney, BA

Peer Reviewers: Alan H. Hall, M.D., Toxicology Consulting and Medical Translating Services, Inc. (TCMTS, Inc.), P.O. Box 184, Mile 5.0 Pass Creek Road, Elk Mountain, WY 82324; Sheldon L. Wagner, MD, Professor of Clinical Toxicology, Oregon State University, Emeritus, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-2106

Disclaimer and Disclosure

Disclaimer

The state of knowledge regarding the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the environment is constantly evolving and is often uncertain. In developing its educational products ATSDR has made a diligent effort to ensure the accuracy and the currency of the presented information. ATSDR, however, makes no claim that the environmental medicine and health education resources discussed in these products comprehensively address all possible situations related to various substances. The products are intended for educational use to build the knowledge of physicians and other health professionals in assessing the conditions and managing the treatment of patients potentially exposed to hazardous substances. The products are not a substitute for a health-care provider’s professional judgment. Please interpret the environmental medicine and the health education resources in light of specific information regarding the patient and in conjunction with other medical authorities. Use of trade names in ATSDR products is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Disclosure

In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use. CDC, our planners, and the presenters for this seminar do not have financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters. This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use. There was no commercial support for this activity.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology and Environmental Medicine
Environmental Medicine and Educational Services Branch

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