Pattern of Organophosphate Poisoning in Bapuji Hospital, Davangere (2011–2013) Geetha K.B1, Tejas J1,*, Vishwanathan K.G2 1Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Bengaluru 2Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga *Corresponding Author: Dr. Tejas. J, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Center, Bengaluru-562110, Ph: +919731522968, Email: tejas05in@gmail.com
Online published on 8 August, 2019. Abstract Introduction Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Organophosphorus compounds are commonly used for suicide worldwide. Method This observational study was conducted on patients of organophosphate poisoning admitted to Bapuji Hospital, Davangere during the period spanning October 2011 to March 2013. Total number of cases studied were 150. Data was collected from hospital admission records, hospital MLC registers, patient case history. Results The maximum number of cases was seen in the 21 to 30 years age group with male predominance. All the study participants were found to be employed in agricultural labor. The commonest poison consumed in the study was Malathion. Majority of the patients consumed twice the lethal dose of poison. All the fatalities had suicidal manner of consumption, and all the accidental consumption cases survived. Discussion Our study showed a notably higher fatality rate possibly due to higher amounts of poison consumed with other findings comparable with previous studies. Conclusion This study concludes that most cases of organophosphorus poisoning were reported in adult male farmers with malathion being the most common source for poisoning. Even though malathion is not suitable to be an ideal suicidal poison and has unpalatable taste, majority of the patients consumed poison in quantities more than the lethal dose which translates to higher mortality rates. Top Keywords Organophosphate, suicidal poisoning, malathion. Top |