A cross sectional study of various types of acute poisoning; pharmacological management and their outcome in a tertiary care hospital

Bhargavi D. Parmar; Kuntal S. Thacker; Vimesh R. Mistry; Neeta J. Kanani

doi:10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20231129

Authors

Bhargavi D. Parmar Department of Pharmacology, Medical College Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Kuntal S. Thacker Department of Pharmacology, Medical College Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Vimesh R. Mistry Department of Pharmacology, Medical College Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Neeta J. Kanani Department of Pharmacology, Medical College Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20231129

Keywords:

Poisoning, Pesticide, Snakebite, Organophosphorus

Abstract

Background: Acute poisoning is a common and life-threatening crisis, leading to serious complications and death of patients. Poisoning may be due to self-consumption, accidental exposure of chemical compounds, medications and poisonous animal bites/stings. Aim of current study was to investigate the pattern of drug utilization, poisoning agents and outcome in patients with acute poisoning treated at a tertiary care teaching hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was done on patients of acute poisoning admitted in emergency department, SSG Hospital during August 2021-March 2022.

Results: 400 patients were enrolled during the study, from which 262 (65.50%) were male and 138 (34.50%) were female. Mean age of patients was 30.30 ± 13.79 years. The commonest mode of poisoning observed was Suicidal (66.25%). The most common cause of poisoning was due to Pesticides (33.25%), followed by venomous animal exposures (30.75%). Death was recorded in 53 (13.25%) patients with highest number seen in suicidal poisoning (14.34%) compared to accidental poisonings (11.19%). Mainly, multivitamins (19.03%), Antimicrobials (16.65%), Proton Pump Inhibitors (15.85%) and Antiemetics (11.10%) were prescribed. Antidotes used were Atropine (4.81%), Pralidoxime (4.46%) and Anti-snake venom (2.80%). Median number of drugs per patient was 8; range: 2-25.

Conclusions: Pattern and magnitude of poisoning are multidimensional and demand multi-sectoral approach for facing this problem. Due to high incidence of snakebites, hospital stockpiles should be regularly checked for availability of antivenom. There is a need for stringent pesticide regulation laws, counselling and training programs to reduce incidence of poisonings and deaths due to it.

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