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Citation |
Singh B, Unnikrishnan B. J. Clin. Forensic Med. 2006; 13(3): 112-116. |
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Affiliation |
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Udupi, Karanataka 576104, India. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
16530453 |
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Abstract |
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to characterize the poisoning cases admitted to the Government Wenlock Hospital (a teaching hospital of Kasturba Medical College) Mangalore, India. STUDY DESIGN: All cases admitted to the emergency department of the hospital between January 2001 to May 2003 evaluated retrospectively. Data obtained from the hospital medical records and included the following factors: socio-demographic characteristics, agents and route of intake, and time of admission of the acutely poisoned patients. RESULTS: Of the total 33,207 patients admitted in the hospital for treatment, 325 patients were for to acute poisoning. This was 1% of all emergency admissions. Of these 70% were males and 30% females. The majority (36%) cases were from age group of 21-30 years. Most (72%) poisonings were intentional and only 27% were unintentional. The most important agents of acute poisoning were agrochemical pesticides (49%) followed by drugs (17%), and alcohols (13%). Forty-eight (15%) patients died. The poisons responsible for most of the mortality were organophosphate pesticides (65%) and aluminium phosphide (15%). In summary, the prevention and treatment of poisoning due to organophosphate and aluminium phosphide should merit high priority in the health care of the indigenous population of South India (Dakshina Kannada district).
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