Review of Intermediate Syndrome in Organophosphorous Poisoning

Organophosphorus poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries including India. In addition to the conventional presentation of organophosphorus poisoning, there exists a clinical variant known as Intermediate syndrome which is a very common cause for the development of respiratory failure. The cardinal features of this syndrome are cranial nerve palsies, weakness of neck flexors, proximal muscle weakness and respiratory muscle paralysis which usually develops between 24 to 96 hours of ingestion of the poison. Mortality can be reduced by early recognition of the syndrome and prompt ventilatory support.