[Prognosis of severe organic phosphorus pesticide intoxication and the effect of atropine treatment: analysis of 506 cases].

The results of atropine treatment in 506 cases of severe organic phosphorus pesticide intoxication are reported. Among the variables which might effect the results of treatment, the average dosage of atropine was related intimately to the prognosis (standard coefficient of regression bi = 0.4702, P less than 0.01). When the average drug dosage was 40-80 ng/h, the mortality was 26.6% and much lower than other groups (P less than 0.01). Intravenous administration given at regular intervals was better than continuous drip; the mortality dropped to 61.2% from 90.9% (P less than 0.01). Both inadequate atropinization and atropine intoxication were less frequently seen during intermitten injection (P less than 0.01).