Clinical patterns and outcomes of acute poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital in Bhubaneswar, India

Abstract

Background and Objective: Acute poisoning constitutes a critical medical emergency, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its characteristics, severity, and prognosis. Such insights are crucial for formulating effective strategies in planning, prevention, and management. This research endeavours to examine the incidence and outcomes of acute poisoning cases within a tertiary care facility located in Bhubaneswar. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted utilizing hospital records from a tertiary care facility affiliated with a medical institution in Bhubaneswar. The investigation encompassed 136 cases, gathering information on variables such as age, gender, time since ingestion, circumstances surrounding the poisoning, specific toxic substances involved, chemical classifications, length of hospital stay, severity of poisoning, and ultimate outcome. Data collection was carried out using a pre-structured proforma. Results: The incidence of acute poisoning was notably higher among males (75.4%) than females (24.3%). The most prevalent age group affected was 20 to 29 years (31.2%), closely followed by the 12 to 19 year age bracket (30.2%). Organophosphorus compound (OPC) poisoning accounted for the majority of cases (36.0%). The overall mortality rate was determined to be 15.4%. Mortality resulting from corrosive substance ingestion was significantly higher compared to OPC poisoning (p≤0.04). Among the 56 patients diagnosed with OPC and carbamate poisoning, 13 patients (23.2%) experienced respiratory arrest and necessitated respiratory support. Time elapsed since ingestion played a significant role in the mortality rate of acute poisoning cases (p≤0.01). Conclusion:Poisoning appears to be more prevalent among young males, with a notable proportion of cases resulting in mortality. This high mortality rate is primarily attributed to self-poisoning incidents involving insecticides and corrosive substances. Timely intervention provided in a tertiary care center holds promise for mitigating mortality rates associated with poisoning incidents in India.