RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The use of atropine in a nerve agent response with specific reference to children: are current guidelines too cautious?
JF Emergency Medicine Journal
JO Emerg Med J
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and the British Association for Accident & Emergency Medicine
SP 690
OP 694
DO 10.1136/emj.2008.060384
VO 26
IS 10
A1 E A Sandilands
A1 A M Good
A1 D N Bateman
YR 2009
UL http://emj.bmj.com/content/26/10/690.abstract
AB This review examines the potential use of nerve agents by a terrorist organisation against a civilian population, which has become an increasingly apparent threat in the UK. Present guidelines for the use of atropine, particularly in children, following such an event are unclear. No precise agreement exists on the most appropriate dose of atropine, or the frequency with which it should be administered. This uncertainty leaves children vulnerable as potentially life-saving treatment may be crucially delayed. Guidelines must be standardised to allow rapid antidotal delivery and maximise the potential for survivors. This review examines the issues currently surrounding the use of atropine in children following a nerve agent attack and propose strategies for treating exposed children.