European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CLINICO EPIDEMIOLOGIC PROFILE OF POISONING IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Dr. L. Raja Gopala Marthandam, M.D.*, Dr. P. Meena Kumari, M.D., Dr. Siva, M.D. and Dr. S. Padmapriya

ABSTRACT

Poisoning is a major health challenge in our country. Our objective is to study the clinic epidemiological profile of poisoning in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 420 cases admitted with alleged consumption of a poison were included in the study. The prevalence pattern in relation to age, gender, occupation were studied. The study also analysed the time of interval between consumption and arrival, duration of hospital stay and outcome of patients. the study showed a male preponderance. The prevalence was more in the age group between 21 and 30 years. The most common cause was due to organophosphorus compound consumption followed by pyrethroids and tablets consumption 38.8% were farmers and 29.52% were housewives. The major reason for deliberate self harm was acute stress reaction followed by depression. The mortality rate was 14.04% in our study. 63% cases arrived to the hospital within 4 hsours of poison consumption. The mortality rate was high when patient arrives later than 8 hours of poison consumption (32.55%). Mortality rate was similar while comparing the duration of hospital stay. Paraquat and celphos poisoning had 100% mortality followed by organophosphorus poisoning(28.38%). Upto 24% had substance abuse. The study highlights the prevalence of various poisonings and the pattern of mortality Rates, for better management of poisoning cases, reinforcing pesticide regulations and counselling programs to decrease the incidence of poisoning.

Keywords: Organophosphorus, Paraquat and celphos.