Agent orange

Revision as of 20:06, 27 November 2016 by Bisakson (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==Background== *Member of chlorophenoxy pesticide group, and are often contaminated with dioxin *Gained notoriety during Vietnam War ==Mechanism== *Absorbed through skin, GI...")
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Background

  • Member of chlorophenoxy pesticide group, and are often contaminated with dioxin
  • Gained notoriety during Vietnam War

Mechanism

  • Absorbed through skin, GI tract, and respiratory tract
  • Acts on skeletal muscle but exact mechanism unknown

Clinical Features

  • Serious toxic effects develop in 4-6 hours
  • Non-specific dermal and GI irritation (nausea, vomiting, GI distress)
  • Myotonia, muscle fasciculations, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia

Evaluation

  • No specific tests for chlorophenoxy compounds
  • Workup is aimed at detecting muscle injury and hepatic/renal function

Management

  • Skin decontamination
  • Supportive care
  • Treat rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and metabolic acidosis
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