Chandrashekhar E.1 , Suresh C.2 , Naveen Gowda R.S.3
BACKGROUND Accidental and intentional poisoning are major preventable contributors to death and illness. According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 0.3 million people die every year due to various poisoning agents. Earlier the initial resuscitation, gastric decontamination, and use of specific antidotes, better the outcome. In order to improve clinical management, proper planning and prevention is. This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital to evaluate the pattern of acute poisoning cases in that region. METHODS This is a retrospective study conducted among 57 patients with poisoning admitted over a 2-year period. Data was collected from ICU registry and Medical Records Department, ESIC MH. RESULTS Females represented 59.6 % (n = 57). Most of our patients were in the age group 18 – 28 yrs. (35.08 %). Notably majority of the cases had consumed organophosphorus compounds (25 patients, 43.85 %) and tablets (22 patients, 38.60 %). Majority (22 patients, 38.59 %) stayed at ICU for less than three days; overall mortality from all poisoning was low (2 patients, 3.50 %). CONCLUSIONS Use of organophosphorus compound and tablets for intentional poisoning continues to be pervasive in India. Education on poison, counselling and strict pesticide and drugs regulation laws will reduce the incidence of this public health problem.
