Profile of acute poisoning cases at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Acute poisoning is a medical emergency. It is important to know the nature, severity and outcome of acute poisoning cases in order to take up appropriate planning, prevention and management techniques. Objective: This study is aimed to assess the pattern and outcome of acute poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective hospital record-based study conducted in a tertiary care hospital attached to a medical institution in Karnataka from August 2011 to July 2012. The study included 104 cases and data regarding age, sex, time elapsed after intake; circumstances of poisoning, name of the poisonous substance, chemical type, severity and outcome were collected in the prestructured proforma. Results: Incidence was slightly higher among males (52.9%) compared to females (47.1%). Most cases of acute poisoning presented among 20- to 29-year age group (49%) followed by <20-year age group (19.2%). A majority of poisoning cases (41.3%) were due to organophosphorus compound (OP). Total mortality was found to be 10. Suicide by poisoning was the most common (93.26%) mode of poisoning for both male and female, while accidental poisoning was 6.74%. Conclusion: Poisoning is more common in young individuals. The overall mortality is substantially high, mainly contributed by self- poisoning with pesticides . Early care in a tertiary care center may help to reduce mortality in India.