Suresh Pandey1 , Sushma Pandey2
A number of Organophosphorus compounds have been introduced in Indian market as agricultural insecticides, being effective against wide range of insects and pests. But a number of these compounds have proved to be more toxic to humans than its utility as insecticides, pesticides. Organophosphorus compound poisoning is a very common toxicological emergency encountered in the rural agricultural workers in south eastern Rajasthan. A total 100 cases of organophosphorus compound were analysed during one year period in 2013 and 2014. The emphasis was given on age, sex, socioeconomic status, occupation, motive of poisoning, place, and the ultimate outcome. Young male population of rural background, particularly agricultural workers was the commonest patients. The most common cause of poisoning is accidental, suicidal in males and females. 85 patients recovered and fifteen expired. The major cause of death in these cases was respiratory failure followed by multi-organ failure, mitochondria as site of cellular oxygen consumption and energy production can be a target of OP poisoning. Atropine is the mainstay of therapy, and can reverse the life threatening features of this acute poisoning. Cholinesterase reactivators, by regenerating AChE, can reverse both the nicotinic and muscarinic effects.
