Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in the North of Iran: A Register-based Research.

BACKGROUND: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) poisoning is considered one of the health care issues in Iran, which is associated with the mortality outcome of patients. INTRODUCTION: According to the ALP poisoning that commonly results in death, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ALP pill poisoning by employing register-based research. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, all selected patients diagnosed and confirmed with ALP poisoning by a specialist and referred to the poisoning ward from the beginning of April 2016 to the end of October 2017 were enrolled, and data were registered in the Disease Registration System by a technical expert for daily follow-up during hospitalization. RESULTS: Approximately 12.4% of patients had neurological problems, with the majority having paresis (68.3%). Self-poisoning with the purpose of suicide was documented for 96.2% of cases, with the most common cause being family problems (54.1%). In 97.3% of cases, the method of contact with the toxic substance was oral. Hypotension, cardiac, and respiratory complications were observed in 25.2%, 30.8%, and 25% of the patients, respectively. The most gastrointestinal symptoms were nausea and vomiting (86.7%). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the rate of ALP pill poisoning is relatively high. Suicide is the most important cause of ALP poisoning, which is more common in men under 40 years of age.

Evaluation of hematological indices among insecticides factory workers.

Insecticides are commonly used pesticides in the world. Chronic exposure to insecticides has adverse effects on various human body organs. In this study, hematological findings were assessed in workers in an insecticide manufacturing plant. Hematological parameters and clinical symptoms were recorded in 99 workers exposed to insecticides and 107 workers not exposed to them in a cross-sectional study. Assessment of the hematological results showed a higher prevalence of thrombocytosis in the exposed group than the non-exposed group (P < 0.05). Mean white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts, anisocytosis of red blood cells (RBCs), and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) were significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (P < 0.05). Prevalence rates of headache, itchy skin, cough, and sleep disorders were higher in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group (P < 0.05). Chronic exposure to insecticides can alter hematological parameters in the normal range. Occupational exposure to insecticides may increase WBCs, platelet count, NLR, and red cell distribution width (RDW). It can also cause thrombocytosis. Complete blood count (CBC), as an inexpensive and accessible tool, can help monitor workers' health status exposed to insecticides properly.