A pilot study on the management and outcomes of self-poisoning in a rural Ugandan Emergency Centre

The Global Emergency Care Collaborative and Nyakibale Hospital in Rukungiri opened the first functional emergency centre in rural Uganda. We investigated decontamination, management and outcomes of poisoned patients in the emergency centre.

An electronic database started recording charts from 24 March 2012. A search for diagnoses concerning self-poisoning was performed from 24 March 2012 to 30 December 2013 and 192 charts were found and de-identified. Data collection included: age, sex, poison and duration, intent, vital signs, physical examination, decontamination, antidote use and follow-up status.

From 24 March 2012 to 30 December 2013 poisoning accounted for 96 patient encounters. Of these, 33 were associated with alpha-2 agonists and 16 were associated with organophosphorous or carbamate pesticides. The post-decontamination fatality rate was 5.7%. The fatality rate of those without decontamination was 8.3%. Of those who were given atropine, 38.8% had no known indication. Of the 96 patient encounters, there were seven deaths; six were due to pesticides.

In resource-limited settings where antidotes and resuscitative capabilities are scarce, decontamination needs to be studied further. Repeat atropine use without indication may lead to depletion of an essential antidote. Future directions include a public health education programme and an algorithm to help guide clinical decisions.