Lack of cholinergic features in healthcare workers caring for a patient with organophosphate poisoning

Abstract

Introduction Controversy exists with regard to risk of secondary exposure of health care workers caring for patients who have ingested an organophosphate insecticide. We aim to report clinical effects of staff members caring for an organophosphate poisoned patient. Incident A 76-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department exhibiting a cholinergic toxidrome requiring atropine, intubation and mechanical ventilation. Methods We undertook a retrospective chart review of any Emergency Department presentations for medical assessment in relation to the incident and conducted telephone interviews of any healthcare workers who did not present but were deemed to be closely involved with patient care. We collected data including age, gender, symptoms reported and plasma cholinesterase activity measurement. Results We collected data from 13 individuals, of whom nine presented for medical assessment, including the patient’s spouse. Five additional staff members were interviewed, having been identified via Emergency Department rostering documentation. The 13 healthcare workers comprised five nurses, four paramedics and four doctors. Dizziness and nausea were reported in two and the patient’s spouse reported one episode of vomiting. Of the nine patients who had plasma cholinesterase activity measured, none were below the laboratory reference range, including those who experienced symptoms. Conclusions We found no clinical nor biochemical evidence of toxicity in healthcare workers caring for a critically ill patient with organophosphate ingestion. These findings are consistent with previously published guidelines advocating standard/Level D personal protective equipment. We believe that emergency departments should not be closed as a safety measure.