Study of the Clinical Profiling and Assessment of Poisoning Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital

TL;DR

This study examines poisoning cases in a hospital in India, finding that pesticide poisoning is common and highlights the need for better regulation and education.

Contribution

The study provides a clinical profile of poisoning cases in a tertiary hospital in India, emphasizing pesticide poisoning trends and treatment gaps.

Findings

Pesticides, especially organophosphates, were the most common poisoning agents (43.56% of cases).

Most patients (59.41%) arrived within three hours of poisoning, significantly reducing mortality and morbidity.

Specific detoxifying treatments were applied in only 58.41% of cases, indicating gaps in medical protocols.

Abstract

Introduction

Accidental and intentional poisoning is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Pesticide poisoning is particularly common in India, where a large percentage of the population works in agriculture. This study aims to evaluate admission profiles, management trends, and outcome status among poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital.

Methodology

A prospective observational study was carried out from May to July 2022 in the medicine ward of a tertiary care hospital, which is associated with a government medical college. Demographic characteristics, history of poisoning, clinical presentation at the time of admission, and intervention for treatment were recorded once the patient was diagnosed with poisoning or when there was a suspicion. Data regarding outcomes was also collected from this section. The appropriateness of the decontamination, support, and specific treatments was assessed. The collected data was subjected to descriptive statistical analysis.

Results

The most common agent was pesticides, involved in 44 (43.56%) cases out of a total of 101 poisoning cases, with the predominant subtype being organophosphate. Bites accounted for 18 (17.82%) cases, mainly snake bites. Household products were responsible for eight (7.92%) cases, and medicinal products for four (3.96%) cases. Decontamination, when indicated, was properly applied in 98 (97.02%) cases; supportive treatments were administered in 95 (94.05%) cases; and specific detoxifying measures were taken in 59 (58.41%) cases. A majority of the patients (60, or 59.41%) reached the hospital within three hours of poisoning, which dramatically reduced morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

In summary, the study indicates that pesticide poisoning is prevalent in rural India, and, as such, there is an urgent need for appropriate regulation of agrochemicals and behavioural education to protect farmers. On average, the appropriateness of decontamination and supportive treatments was high (i.e., >85%), reflecting adequate initial responses. In contrast, the low level of appropriateness for specific treatments highlights gaps regarding institutional medical protocols and training. There is a need to educate the public about timely medical intervention, which can help in decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated with cases of poisoning.