Abstract

Background: Acute poisoning is an important medical emergency and its pattern and outcome varies from place to place.

Aims and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the spectrum of acute poisoning in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of acute poisoning cases brought to emergency department of a tertiary care hospital from 1st January to 30th June 2015.

Result: Total 256 cases of acute poisoning were recorded over a period of 6 months. Acute poisoning was common in men, and age group of 18–25 years was the most affected. The most common offending agent was agricultural pesticides (28.5%) and in this group mortality was maximum with aluminum phosphide (43.4%). The case fatality with unknown agents was reported to be (12.8%).

Conclusion: From the results of this study, we conclude that acute poisoning is a common problem and male population is the most affected. Organophosphorous is a common poisoning and aluminum phosphide accounted for majority of fatal outcome. The outcome of this study underscores the importance of proper storage, distribution, sale and disposal of the pesticides, and advanced laboratory support.

Key words: Acute Poisoning; Organophosphorous; Aluminum Phosphide; Self-Harm; Pattern and Outcome; Pesticide