The Pathophysiology of Toxic Trauma

The wide range of CW agents and toxic industrial chemicals produces patterns of toxic trauma which can be analysed according to actions on somatic systems. In the case of agents which act upon the central and peripheral nervous systems, there is a good understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms which has led to a... 

The development of acute lung injury (ALl), toxic PE and possible subsequent ARDS is important and potentially life-threatening considerations in pulmonary toxic trauma. There has been a large amount of research in this topic in recent years. Here, we present a summary of the present understanding of the complex pathophysiology of the development of ALl and PE. The management of these conditions and potential protective measure that can be taken in the period immediately after exposure are considered in later chapters. 

Because of the latency of certain toxic agents, both reactive and proactive approaches to treatment are necessary in toxic trauma, in order to manage immediate life-threatening conditions and also to mitigate developing pathophysiology with a longer latency. 

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