Résumé
Aim of this study was to establish incidence and pattern of acute poisoning in adults. 112 patients of acute poisoning were admitted during 1986 in Nishtar Hospital, Multan with an incidence of 0.19% of total admission. 99 [89.4%] were males and 13 [11.6%] were females. Nearly 80% were up to the age of 30 years, while the mean age was 25.9 +/- 9.21 years. The mean hospital stay was 3.39 +/- 2.23 days and duration of exposure to poisonous substance at the time of hospitalization was 20.42 +/- 45.03 hours. Majority of the patients belonged to lower socio-economic class with monthly income of 845.53 +/- 1467.83 rupees. 77% had accidental poisoning, 18% suicidal attempt while 5% had poisoning either as a result of addiction or homicidal attempt. There were 75% cases of insecticides poisoning, 13% cases of narcotics/tranquillisers poisoning and 12% cases were due to other miscellaneous poisons. In all three deaths were recorded and all were due to insecticides poisoning. This study indicated the very high incidence of insecticide poisoning and the mode of poisoning is mainly accidental. The death rate was 2.7%