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Deliberate self-poisoning: experience at a medical unit
Muhammad Khurram1, Najia Mahmood
1Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|October 1, 2008
Summary
This study analyzed 80 patients with acute drug-seeking poisoning (DSP), finding benzodiazepines and organophosphates were common. Organophosphate poisoning was linked to suicidal intent.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute drug-seeking poisoning (DSP) presents a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding patient demographics and substance use patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical experience and outcomes of managing patients with acute DSP.
- To identify common substances used and associated patient characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted over one year.
- Data collected included patient demographics, intention, substance used, and outcomes.
- Eighty patients diagnosed with acute DSP were included in the analysis.
Main Results:
- The mean age of patients was 24.35 years, with a majority being female, educated up to 10th grade, unmarried, and from urban areas.
- Benzodiazepines (31.3%) and organophosphate (OP) compounds (21.3%) were the most frequently used substances.
- A significant association was found between OP compound use and suicidal intention (55% of patients).
Conclusions:
- Acute DSP management requires understanding demographic and substance-specific risks.
- Organophosphate compounds pose a significant risk, particularly in cases of self-harm with suicidal intent.
- Further research into prevention and targeted interventions for high-risk groups is warranted.
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