Article information
Abstract
Vesicants (blister) agents are a group of chemicals used in warfare. The most representative agent is yperite, also known as mustard gas. The blisters that appeared on those exposed to yperite during combat in the First World War are responsible for the current name–vesicants–for this group of chemicals. Their affects are produced mainly through localized action of liquid or vapor forms on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. However, the high absorption of the liquid form through the skin or the vapor form on inhalation may cause substancial systemic effects. Here we analyze these effects, treatment of intoxication, and long-term sequelae, drawing on our experience and a review of the literature.
Keywords:
Chemical warfare agents
Vesicants
Mustard gas
Yperite
Lewisite
Resumen
Los agentes vesicantes constituyen un grupo de agentes químicos de guerra cuyo principal representante es la iperita, también conocida como gas mostaza. Las ampollas que aparecían en los intoxicados por iperita en combate durante la Primera Guerra Mundial hicieron que a todos los agentes incluidos en este grupo se les denomine hoy en día agentes «vesicantes». Sus efectos se producen fundamentalmente por la acción local de la forma líquida o del vapor sobre la piel, los ojos y el tracto respiratorio. Sin embargo, la gran capacidad de absorción de la forma líquida a través de la piel o de la forma de vapor tras la inhalación puede dar lugar a efectos sistémicos importantes. Desde nuestra experiencia y tras una revisión de la literatura médica, en el presente trabajo se analizan estos efectos, el tratamiento de las intoxicaciones y las secuelas a largo plazo.
Palabras clave:
Agentes químicos de guerra
Agentes vesicantes
Gas mostaza
Iperita
Lewisita
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