Profile of acute poisoning cases and their outcome in a teaching hospital of north India

Abstract

Objectives:Aim of this study was to characterize acute poisoning and snakebite cases and their outcome in the Emergency Department (ED).Methods:This was a prospective study done in the ED of a tertiary healthcare center. Study included 184 patients of acute poisoning and 16 cases of snakebite. Data regarding demographics, type, time, and mode of poisoning, lag time in reaching the hospital, initiation of treatment, first aid, in-hospital treatment, and comorbid illness were obtained. Data regarding requirement of antidote, duration of hospitalization, and outcome were also obtained.Results:Out of 200 cases, 181 (90.5%) were adults and 19 (9.5%) were of pediatric age group. Poisoning was common among males (57%) than females (43%). Majority (40%) were from the age group of 21–30 years. Out of 200, 115 (57.5%) poisonings were suicidal, 68 (34%) were accidental, and 17 (8.5%) were homicidal. Acute poisonings included corrosive 54 (27%), drug overdose 26 (13%), organophosphorus compounds 20 (10%), rodenticides 20 (10%), and symptomatic snakebite 16 (8%). Seventy-two (36%) were admitted with a median hospital stay of 6 days with 5 (2.5%) deaths. Logistic regression analysis revealed poorer outcome for 15–30 years age [OR 12.6 (1.6–97.5), P = 0.015], males [OR 2.5 (1.4–4.4) P = 0.04], patients coming from >30 km [OR 4.3 (1.5–12.1), P = 0.006].Conclusion:Our study demonstrated an increased incidence of corrosive ingestion. With increasing rates of suicidal ingestions, there is a need for holistic approach to manage mental health issues at primary care level.

Treatment outcome and associated factors among patients admitted with acute poisoning in a tertiary hospital in Eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

“…The finding contradicts the studies conducted in Turkey, Ethiopia, and Eastern Nepal which reported no significant association between mode of poisoning and poor treatment outcome of acute poisoning. 4,7,12,13,39 In the current study, the odds of having poor treatment outcome in participants who were poisoned by drugs was 2.13 time more likely than non-drugs poisoning. Improving rational use of drugs and counseling the patients in their drugs would decrease the number of severe acute poisoning cases.…”

“…A data abstraction format adapted from different literature, 4,7,10,12,13 was used to record the necessary information from patients' medical records. The data abstraction format was prepared in English language and included variables like sex of patients, age of patients, residence, route of poisoning, type of poisoning, clinical presentations, the status of patients when coming to the hospital, reason of patients for taking the poison, time of arrival to the emergency of the hospital, source of poisoning agents, length of hospital stay, treatment given for the acute poisoning, and treatment outcome.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Even though acute poisoning is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the extent of the problem, the situations of exposure, and the types of poisoning differ from country to country. 4,12,13 The impact of acute poisoning is well documented in most developed countries. The Toxic Exposure Surveillance System (TESS) data, gathered by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), for instance, offers evidence about poisonous contacts and subsequent health impacts all over the United States and is used to determining emerging hazards, to focus prevention and education programs and to guide clinical research.…”

Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated cost of acute poisoning: a retrospective study

“…Data abstraction was adapted from previous studies (Desalew et al, 2011 ; Mathew et al, 2019 ; Tefera & Teferi, 2020 ; Wakushie & Daba, 2016 ; Woyessa & Palanichamy, 2020 ). The poison cases were diagnosed based on the history given by the patients/family members, clinical presentation, and laboratory investigations.…”

A case of organophosphate poisoning with intermediate syndrome and acute pancreatitis – A rare complication

“…The late-onset symptom is peripheral neuropathy. [ 3 ] Intermediate syndrome (IMS) usually occurs after 2-4 days after oral exposure of OP poisoning. It is seen in around 20% of the cases of OP poisoning.…”