[Poisoning caused by organophosphate insecticides. Study of 506 cases].

A total of 506 cases of acute poisoning with organophosphorus insecticides attended at Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, from 1981 to 1992 were prospectively studied. In all cases a predetermined clinical and therapeutical protocol was followed. Eighty per cent of poisoning events were accidental in nature, most occurred in males, greenhouse workers, and the toxic agents was most commonly absorbed through the skin and airways. All patients presented initially with overt cholinergic symptoms. The presence of bronchorrhea, tremor-fasciculations, respiratory depression and a lower level of consciousness was associated with severe poisonings. Uncommon and exceptional complications included: 5 cases with complete atrio-ventricular block, 3 cases with pancreatitis, 17 cases with endogenous re-intoxications and 3 patients with central diabetes insipidus.