Pesticides in Forensic Medicine

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from the lecture on pesticides in the context of forensic medicine.

Pesticides

Chemicals used for killing undesirable target organisms.

Organophosphorus

A class of pesticides that are considered most dangerous and inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

Substances that inhibit the enzyme responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, causing an accumulation of it at neuromuscular junctions.

Anticholinesterase toxidrome

A syndrome characterized by muscarinic and nicotinic symptoms due to excessive acetylcholine.

Warfarin

An anticoagulant rodenticide that can cause bleeding by inhibiting vitamin K dependent clotting factors.

Paraquat

A herbicide that is highly toxic if ingested and causes damage to various organs.

Atropine

An antidote used to block muscarinic effects of acetylcholine in poisoning cases.

Oximes

Biochemical antidotes like Pralidoxime that reactivate acetylcholinesterase after organophosphate poisoning.

Muscarinic effects

Results from stimulation of muscarinic receptors leading to symptoms like salivation and bronchoconstriction.

Nicotinic effects

Results from stimulation of nicotinic receptors leading to muscle twitching and paralysis.

SLUDGE

An acronym for symptoms associated with muscarinic overactivity: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal cramps, and Emesis.

Chemical pneumonitis

Lung inflammation caused by inhalation of toxic substances, including some pesticides.

Intermediate syndrome

A delayed manifestation of poisoning characterized by muscle weakness and respiratory muscle involvement.

OPIDP

Organophosphate-induced delayed polyneuropathy, which presents as sensory-motor neuropathy weeks after exposure.

Signs of Organophosphate toxicity

Involves excessive salivation, miosis, diarrhea, muscle twitching, and respiratory distress.

Decontamination

The process of removing or neutralizing harmful substances from a patient's body or environment.

Cholinergic crisis

A life-threatening condition resulting from excessive cholinesterase inhibition leading to severe overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Prothrombin time

A blood test that evaluates the coagulation of blood, significant for diagnosing warfarin toxicity.

Nerve gases

A category of chemical warfare agents that are potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase and similar to organophosphorus pesticides.

Carbamates

A class of pesticides that reversibly inhibit cholinesterase, leading to symptoms similar to those caused by organophosphates, but with a shorter duration.