Patterns oF organoPHosPHorous Poisoning attenDing a teacHing HosPital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.504Abstract
The objective of this was to study the pattern of patients of organophosphorous (OP) poisoning
attending Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH). This is a retrospective study
of OP poisoning from hospital records were analyzed meticulously and data extracted. Data col-lected were: patient’s demographics, motive for poisoning, type of OP poison, arrival time, time
since ingestion, patient’s vitals, predisposing factors, serum cholinesterase levels, treatment given,
duration of hospital stay and mortality. A total of 47 patients of OP poisoning attended KMCTH
from Aug 2003 to July 2005. 22(46.8%) cases were male and 25(53.2%) were female. The maximum
number of patients were between the age of 20-40 (33-70.2%). Married patients outnumbered the
unmarried (35/74.5% vs 12/25.5%). The most common motive for poisoning was suicidal, 41 cases
(87.2%). Metacid (methyl-parathion) was the most commonly used OP compounds in 32 (68%)
patients. Interpersonal marital relationship seemed to be the commonest predisposing factor, 23
cases (48.9%).The commonest time of presentation was between 6 pm-12 midnight. 7(57.4%) cases
presented within 2 hours of ingestion of the poison. Serum cholinesterase level measured after full
atropinisation was >50% of normal level in 17 cases (36.2%). 10 cases (21.3%) required respiratory
support. Intermediate syndrome (IMS) was observed in 3 cases. Overall mortality occurred in 3
cases (6.4%). This study highlights the problem of OP poisoning in our region. Establishment of
strict policies against the sale and availability of insecticides and pesticides which are freely avail-able in the market is an effective way to control OP poisoning.
Key Words: Organophosphate poisoning (OPP), OP compounds, insecticides, pesticides.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
JNMA allow to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of its articles and allow readers to use them for any other lawful purpose. The author(s) are allowed to retain publishing rights without restrictions. The JNMA work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. More about Copyright Policy.