Abstract

Background: Poisoning, both accidental and intentional (homicidal/suicidal), is an important contributor to death and illness all over the world. Not all sickness can be avoided or cured, but that owing to poisoning, with which we are particularly concerned here, is largely curable and preventable. According to the WHO, more than 3 million poisoning cases have been reported, of which 252,881 deaths occurred worldwide, of which 99% are from developing countries. So, this study has been taken to determine patterns of poisonings in a tertiary hospital.
Objective: To know the pattern of poisoning cases admitted at a tertiary-care hospital.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective record-based study of all poisoning cases admitted at KLE Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012 was done. Data were collected from Medical Records Department, KLE Hospital. Sociodemo- graphic details such as age, sex, occupation, type of poisoning, length of hospital stay, outcome, and other details were collected from the patients’ case notes, treatment charts, nursing notes, laboratory reports, and discharge summaries. Result: Male to female poisoning ratio was 1.65:1. Commonly used poisons were organophosphate (OP) compounds (71.8%), rat poison (10%), pyrethroid compounds (4%), herbicidal poison (4%), drug poisoning and endosulfan (1% each), and unknown poisoning (2%). Of 110 cases, 47% improved, 27.2% improved with some morbidity, 14% resulted in mortality, and 12% went against medical advice. Conclusion: Poisoning rates are seen more among, the farmers and young population, OP poisoning being the most common type. Poison information centers could be set up along with first aid facilities and manpower provisions at primary health-care level.