Organophosphorus insecticide poisoning: management in surgical intensive care unit

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the outcome of patients with organophosphorus poisoning. Descriptive [non-interventional] study. Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Civil Hospital Karachi, from January 1996 to December 2002. Medical records of all the patients with organophosphorus poisoning, admitted during the study period, were reviewed. Their clinical features, complications, management and survival were noted. Out of 52 patients, admitted to surgical intensive care unit during the study period, 92.31% survived and were discharged to medical wards. Major cause of mortality [7.69%] was acute respiratory distress syndrome. The common cause of mortality in organophosphorus poisoning is aspiration pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is preventable by securing the airway early in emergency room