Initial Electrocardiographic Changes associated with Clinical Severity in Acute Organophosphate Poisoning.
- Author:
Hwan Jung LEE
1
;
Jae Chol YOON
;
Tae O JEONG
;
Young Ho JIN
;
Jae BaeK LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea. jcyoon75@chonbuk.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Electrocardiogram;
Organophosphate;
Poisoning;
Respiratory failure
- MeSH:
Adult;
Depression;
Electrocardiography;
Emergencies;
Humans;
Organophosphate Poisoning;
Phenylpropionates;
Respiratory Insufficiency;
Retrospective Studies;
Tachycardia, Sinus
- From:Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
2009;7(2):69-76
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Various electrocardiogram (ECG) changes can occur in patients with acute organophosphate poisoning (OPP) and may be associated with the clinical severity of poisoning. The present study aimed to evaluate the extent and frequency of ECG changes and cardiac manifestations, and their association with acute OPP clinical severity. METHODS: Seventy-two adult patients admitted to our emergency department with a diagnosis of acute OPP were studied retrospectively. ECG changes and cardiac manifestations at admission were evaluated. ECG changes between respiratory failure (RF) group and no respiratory failure (no RF) groups were compared. RESULTS: Prolongation of QTc interval (n=40, 55.6%) was the most common ECG change, followed by sinus tachycardia (n=36, 50.0%). ST-T wave changes such as ST segment elevation or depression and T wave change (inversion or non-specific change) were evident in 16 patients (22.2%). Prolongation of QTc interval was significantly higher in the RF group compared with the no RF group (p=0.03), but was not an independent predictor for RF in acute OPP (OR; 4.00, 95% CI; 0.70-23.12, p=0.12). CONCLUSION: While patients with acute OPP can display ECG changes that include prolongation of QTc interval, sinus tachycardia, and ST-T wave changes at admission, these changes are not predictors of respiratory failure.
