PROFILE OF POISONING CASES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, TAMILNADU

Abstract

Poisoning is an important public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Knowledge of general pattern of poisoning in a particular region will help in early diagnosis and treatment of cases, thus decreasing the rate of mortality and morbidity. Information available in our locality with regard to acute poisoning is limited. The present study was carried out with the objective to investigate the pattern of acute poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all acute poisoning cases admitted to the emergency department of Karpagam Faculty of Medical Sciences and Research from April 2003 to March 2004 was done to study the pattern of poisoning. Data regarding age, sex, marital status, occupation, religion, locality, route of exposure, time elapsed after intake, circumstances of poisoning, name of poisonous substance, chemical type, duration of hospitalization and outcome were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All reported cases were found to be suicidal poisoning. Majority of cases were in the age group of 11 -20 years. Females (112 cases, 70%) outnumbered males (48 cases, 30%). Students attempted to commit suicide much commoner than others followed by house wives and daily wage laborers. The commonest poison consumed was cow dung powder. The mortality rate was higher among those consumed rat killer poison (37.5%). CONCLUSION: This study adds information to the existing data which may help to develop prevention strategies. Health education to adolescents at school and college level about poisoning, regular counseling program for all high school children either by an in house trained faculty or a child psychologist and early detection of risk taking behavior in adolescents may to some extent prevent deliberate self-harm in teenagers. Ban on cow dung powder sales in grocery shops should be followed by district authorities with strict penalties for those involved in selling this dangerous chemical. This calls for urgent research to find strict legislative measures over the sale and purchase of cow dung powder poison.