A study of the clinical profile of 30 consecutive cases of poisoning presenting to a rural tertiary care center
Introduction: Acute poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in India. It is estimated that more than 50,000 people die every year from toxin exposure. In India, intentional cases alone reach some 126,000 cases annually and organophosphorus compounds constitute major poisonin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences
2014-04-01
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| Series: | Perspectives In Medical Research |
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| Online Access: | http://pimr.org.in/short_communication.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Acute poisoning is an important cause
of morbidity and mortality in India. It is estimated
that more than 50,000 people die every year from
toxin exposure. In India, intentional cases alone
reach some 126,000 cases annually and
organophosphorus compounds constitute major
poisonings.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional,
descriptive study was conducted among 30 cases of
acute poisoning admitted in Prathima Institute of
Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh
during September 2011-12. Socio-demographic
variables assessed were age, sex and area wise
distribution of the respondents. Type of poison, the
amount ingested, clinical presentation and outcome
were studied.
Results: In this study, maximum cases 13 (43.4%)
were between 17 to 20 years, males 17 (57%) were
more commonly involved in acute poisoning and 20
(67%) cases came from rural areas. The majority 13
(43.3%) of cases were organophosphates poisonings
and 28 (93%) of cases were of suicidal intentions.
Most of the suicidal poisonings were due to
economical problems 14 (50%), followed by broken
relationships 6 (21%) and studies related reasons
were observed in 5 (18%) of cases. Out of total 30
cases of poisonings in this study, 26 cases (86.66%)
were recovered completely, whereas 4 cases (13.3%)
expired.
Conclusion: Prevention of poisoning requires
further exploration of underlying factors in their
cultural context and effective strategies including
management of these problems. Changing the
knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of the
community and improvement in the medical
treatment plan is required to curtail the incidence and
mortality |
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| ISSN: | 2348-1447 2348-229X |