Phosgene Oxime (CX)
Diagnosis
1.
Burning, irritation, wheal-like skin lesions, eye and airway damage
2.
Conjunctivitis, lacrimation, lid edema, blepharospasm
3.
Pleasant smell of freshly mown hay
4.
No distinct lab findings
History
1.
Used in WWI gas warfare
2.
Developed by Russia and Germany before WWII
3.
Military interest as CX penetrates garments and rubber quicker than other chemical agents
Pathophysiology
1.
CX is urticant or nettle agent, causes corrosive type of skin and tissue lesion
2.
Vapor extremely irritating; vapor and liquid cause tissue damage upon contact
3.
Solid at temp < 95deg F
4.
LCt50 inhalation: 1500-2000 mg-min/m3
5.
LD50 skin: 25 mg/kg
Decontamination
1.
Irrigation with H2O in large amounts
2.
0.5% hypochlorite soln
3.
M291 kit
Treatment
1.
Immediate decontamination
2.
Symptomatic management of lesions
3.
Parenteral prednisone 1 g IV
4.
Aerosolized dexamethasone & theophylline for pulmonary involvement is experimental
Disposition
1.
Admit
2.
Notify CDC & local health dept
Military Detection/Treatment Kits
(See Chemical Agent ID/Detection)
1.
M256A1, M18A2, M90, M93 Fox, MINICAMS, ICAD, M21, Bubbler, CAM, DAAMS, M8A1, M8 paper, or M9 paper
* Material is taken from the PEPID database
* Copyrighted material – All Rights Reserved
* For more information visit http://www.pepid.com
