Toxaphene Toxicity Follow-up
- Author: Girish Sethuraman, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Asim Tarabar, MD more...
Further Inpatient Care
- Hospitalization in ICU is indicated for patients with significant exposure or with signs and symptoms of intoxication. Observation for signs of end-organ damage (eg, CNS, heart, lung, liver) and supportive care are mainstays of therapy.
- Obtain a psychiatric evaluation, if warranted.
- Explore possibility of child, elderly person, or vulnerable adult abuse or neglect.
Further Outpatient Care
- Observe patients with an apparent nonsignificant and nontoxic exposure in the emergency department for 6-8 hours before discharge from the hospital. If any signs or symptoms of toxicity develop within that period of observation, admit the patient to the hospital.
- If warranted and before discharge, facilitate psychiatric evaluation and exploration of abuse and neglect possibilities.
- Arrange follow-up care before discharge so that the patient may be monitored for possible long-term sequelae.
Deterrence/Prevention
- Alert public health authorities in cases of occupational exposure to assist in prevention of further exposures in a potentially unsafe work environment.
Prognosis
- With adequate decontamination and supportive care, patients generally recover from acute exposure to their previous functional level. Studies have suggested, but not proven, a long-term risk of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.[2] However, these risks are more attributable to chronic exposure.
Patient Education
- Refer patients and their families to public health authorities for education regarding use, storage, and proper disposal of pesticides.
- Educate patients about proper medical discharge instructions regarding acute and potential chronic signs and symptoms that are observed in toxaphene and organochlorine toxicity.
- Teach patients and their families about the hazards of pesticide use.
- For unknown pesticide exposures, information is available at the Extension Toxicology Network (EXTOX-NET). The National Pesticide Information Center is available 9:30 am to 7:30 pm EST at 1-800-858-7378.
- For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Poisoning Center and Poisoning - First Aid and Emergency Center. Also, see eMedicine's patient education articles Poisoning, Activated Charcoal, and Poison Proofing Your Home.
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