| | |  | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | |
| SURVEY OF SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING INTAKE OF PYRIDOSTIGMINE DURING THE PERSIAN-GULF-WAR |
|
|
| Author(s): SHARABI Y, DANON YL, BERKENSTADT H, ALMOG S, MIMOUNIBLOCH A, ZISMAN A, DANI S, ATSMON J |
| Source: ISRAEL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES Volume: 27 Issue: 11-12 Pages: 656-658 Published: NOV-DEC 1991 |
| Times Cited: 50 References: 17 |
| Abstract: Pyridostigmine bromide, a reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is effectively used as a pre-treatment to organophosphate intoxication. Previous studies have shown that an oral dose of 30 mg twice a day produces a sufficient inhibition of the enzyme activity(20-40%) without causing any significant adverse effect. During the Persian Gulf war pyridostigmine was taken for the first time under a chemical warfare threat. We searched for symptoms and complaints that may be related to the medication. Our survey included 213 soldiers who completed a questionnaire regarding possible symptoms and their severity. AChE inhibition level was compared between groups of soldiers with and without complaints. The most frequent symptoms were nonspecific and included dry mouth, general malaise, fatigue and weakness. Typical effects, such as nausea, abdominal pain, frequent urination and rhinorrhea, were infrequent. The severity of the symptoms was generally mild. The symptoms appeared around 1.6 h after taking the medication and recurred after each intake. No correlation was found between levels of cholinesterase and type or severity of complaints. Anxiety, which accompanies wartime, may have contributed to the appearance of significant symptoms. Further investigations concerning the effects of pyridostigmine ingestion under stressful conditions are warranted. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
Addresses:
1. CHILDRENS MED CTR ISRAEL, PETAH TIQWA, ISRAEL
2. TEL AVIV UNIV, SACKLER FAC MED, IL-69978 TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
3. ISRAEL DEF FORCES MED CORPS, PETAH TIQWA, ISRAEL |
| Publisher: ISRAEL JOURNAL MED SCIENCES, 2 ETZEL ST, FRENCH HILL, JERUSALEM 97853, ISRAEL |
| Subject Category: Medicine, General & Internal |
| IDS Number: GT338 |
| ISSN: 0021-2180 |
|
| | | | | | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | | | | |