Organochlorine insecticides are chlorinated organic molecules, they are chemically very similar to compounds used as solvents. They are central nervous system stimulants.
The vast majority of poisonings are usually via the digestive tract accidentally or for suicidal purposes, or via the skin.
The main symptom is convulsions. Depending on the insecticide, the initial symptoms may be tremor, headache, visual disturbances, vertigo, sweating, malaise, nausea, vomiting, hepatic and renal failure, severe arrhythmias, the main cause of death being respiratory failure due to heart failure. They appear within minutes to a few hours, with a duration of several hours or days.
Diagnosis is made on the basis of a detailed clinical history, physical examination, general laboratory tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram.
Treatment is supportive and symptomatic; there is no antidote. Severe poisoning requires admission to the ICU.
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