Evaluation of Serum Potassium Levels as a Prognostic Marker in Acute Organophosphorus Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Center

Battalapalli Murali Krishna, S. Chandrababu, Gujjula Sidhartha

Abstract: Organophosphate (OP) compounds are the most commonly consumed poisons in India owing to their easy availability and these act by inhibiting the acetyl cholinesterase enzymes at muscarinic and nicotinic receptors, present in post synaptic membrane. As a result, erythrocyte cholinesterase and plasma cholinesterase (PChE) levels reduce in OP poisoning. One of the contributing factors for severity of OP poisoning is electrolyte imbalances. Hypokalemia is a frequent finding in Organophosphorus poisoning. In acute OP poisoning, the most common cause of mortality is respiratory arrest and acidosis as the result of respiratory muscle paralysis. Associated hypokalemia increases the muscle weakness. Hence Serum Potassium levels can be used as marker of investigation and helps in management and future therapeutic approaches.

Keywords: OrganoPhosphate Compounds, OPC, Plasma Cholinesterase, PChE