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A profile of acute poisoning at Mangalore (South India)

Bhoopendra Singh1, B Unnikrishnan

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Udupi, Karanataka 576104, India. drbsingh2003@yahoo.com

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|March 15, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Acute poisoning cases in South India were analyzed, revealing agrochemical pesticides as the leading cause. Organophosphate and aluminum phosphide poisonings require urgent prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Characterizing poisoning cases admitted to Government Wenlock Hospital in Mangalore, India.
  • Analyzing trends in acute poisoning admissions at a major teaching hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize poisoning cases admitted to Government Wenlock Hospital.
  • To identify common poisoning agents and outcomes in South India.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of emergency department admissions from January 2001 to May 2003.
  • Data collection from hospital medical records, including socio-demographics, agents, route of intake, and admission time.
  • Analysis of 325 acute poisoning cases out of 33,207 total emergency admissions.

Main Results:

  • Acute poisoning constituted 1% of emergency admissions (325 cases).
  • Males (70%) predominated, with the 21-30 age group most affected (36%).
  • Intentional poisonings (72%) were more common than unintentional (27%).
  • Agrochemical pesticides (49%) were the primary agents, followed by drugs (17%) and alcohols (13%).
  • Mortality rate was 15% (48 deaths), with organophosphate pesticides (65%) and aluminum phosphide (15%) being the main causes.
  • Organophosphate pesticides and aluminum phosphide were responsible for most fatalities.

Conclusions:

  • Agrochemical pesticides, particularly organophosphates and aluminum phosphide, are significant causes of acute poisoning and mortality in South India.
  • Prevention and treatment strategies for organophosphate and aluminum phosphide poisoning should be prioritized for the indigenous population of the Dakshina Kannada district.
  • Public health interventions targeting pesticide use and management are crucial in reducing poisoning incidence and mortality.

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