Organophosphorus compound poisoning; epidemiology and management [atropinization vs pralidoxime] a descriptive analysis, in allied hospital Faisalabad

ABSTRACT

1] To have an overview of epidemiological factors. 2] To determine the outcome of victims. Mil-III Allied Hospital Faisalabad, from June 2007 to Dec 2008, 484 consecutive patients who were admitted, from June 2007 to December 2008, in Medical unit III with history of having organophosphorus poisoning were analyzed for the epidemiological factors, time to arrive in the hospital, conscious level, mode of poisoning [homicidal, suicidal or accidental] treatment given and outcome. The results of the study showed that age 14-30 years is the major group involved in poisoning 87.9% as compared to ages 31-45years [10.5%] and age more then 45 years [12%], also age group 14-30 years is having more suicidal tendencies as well as accidental poisoning and these tendencies decrease with increasing age [p=0.000]. Male victims are more as compared to female victims [52.9% vs. 46.7%] in the study group. Suicidal tendencies as well as homicidal poisoning is more in female [n= 127 and 44, respectively] while accidental poisoning is more in male population [n=106], [p=0.001]. Urban population is more at risk of poisoning in all three, homicidal, suicidal and accidental, as compared to the rural population [p=0.018]. Importantly study showed that outcome of the poisoning from organophosphorus is directly proportional to the interval between poisoning and presentation in emergency ward [p= 0.000], conscious level of the victim [p=0.000] and does not depend upon the mode of management [oxime or atropine] [p=0.026]. Younger urban population have increased tendency of poisoning with a dominance of female population. Rapidity of treatment, time to arrival to hospital and conscious level at presentation are the factors deciding outcome of a given patient rather than the mode of treatment [oximes and atropine both are equally effective]