Phosgene-Induced acute lung injury: Approaches for mechanism-based treatment strategies

Phosgene (COCl2) gas is a chemical intermediate of high-volume production with numerous industrial applications worldwide. Due to its high toxicity, accidental exposure to phosgene leads to various chemical injuries, primarily resulting in chemical-induced lung injury due to inhalation. Initially, the illness is mild and presents as coughing, chest tightness, and wheezing; however, within a few hours, symptoms progress to chronic respiratory depression, refractory pulmonary edema, dyspnea, and hypoxemia, which may contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome or even death in severe cases. Despite rapid advances in medicine, effective treatments for phosgene-inhaled poisoning are lacking. Elucidating the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of acute inhalation toxicity caused by phosgene is necessary for the development of appropriate therapeutics. In this review, we discuss extant literature on relevant mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to highlight novel ideas for the treatment of phosgene-induced acute lung injury.

Automated summary

Phosgene gas is a highly toxic chemical intermediate with various industrial applications. Accidental exposure to phosgene can lead to chemical-induced lung injury, which is characterized by initial mild symptoms such as coughing and chest tightness, but can progress to severe respiratory distress and even death. Effective treatments for phosgene inhalation poisoning are currently lacking, highlighting the need to understand the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of this condition in order to develop appropriate therapeutics.