Article Details

Back Ground: Ninety-nine percent of fatal poisonings occur in developing countries, particularly among agricultural workers. In a particular area it is important to known the magnitude and pattern of acute poisonings as it is important for early diagnosis, treatment and for preventive measures.

Aim: To identify and compare the clinical characteristics and risk factors in poisoning patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary care rural Hospital.

Methods: Retrospective studies of 540 poisoning cases were recorded during the period of 4 years between April 2009 and April 2013 at Emergency Department, Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore, and Andhrapradesh. Fatal poisonings were studied for age, sex, socioeconomic status, marital status, type of poison and manner (accidental, suicidal or homicidal). Pre-hospital care, length of stay, outcome.

Inclusion Criteria: All patients presenting to emergency department age older than 18 years.

Exclusion criteria: Patients of paediatric age group were not included in the study.

Results: Out of 537 cases, Suicidal cases registered were 77.65% and Accidental cases registered were 22.35%. Out of total 537 cases, 257 (47.86%) were males while 280 (52.14%) were females. Higher poisoning rate observed in 20-30 age groups. Predominantly hair dye poisoning observed in 21.97%, Pesticide poisoning observed in 30.73%.

Conclusion: Young married males of rural background with agricultural occupation and failure of monsoon are the risk factors associated with poisoning cases.