Toxicology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Toxicology, including details on forensic toxicology, carcinogenicity, assays.

Medical management of incidents with chemical warfare agents.

Zilker T

Department of Clinical Toxicology, II, Medical Clinic, Technical University, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81664 Munich, Germany. T.Zilker@lrz.tum.de

Successful management of incidents with chemical warfare agents strongly depends on the speed of medical help and the ability of helpers to react properly. Though the general principles of clinical toxicology, such as decontamination, stabilization, patient evaluation and symptomatic treatment are similar for many toxicants, chemical warfare agents deserve special attention because of their very high inhalative and cutaneous toxicity, rapid onset of the disease and multiple organ failures. This article describes the medical management of mass casualties with blister agents, nerve agents and blood agents from the viewpoint of a clinical toxicologist. Characteristic diagnostic signs, decontamination procedures and therapeutic schemes for these agents are described. Treatment options are discussed. The importance of planning (e.g. antidote availability) and preparedness is emphasized.

Published 5 October 2005 in Toxicology, 214(3): 221-31.
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