Abstract

UNDERSTANDING THE CLINICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE OF ACUTE POISONINGS: A STUDY FROM TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Kumbhar Ganesh V.*, Sananse Vishal A., Chavan Devesh K., Rathod Vishal B. and Gunjegaonkar Shivshankar M.

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Abstract

Acute poisoning is a significant public health concern, with a tremendous impact on both individuals and healthcare systems globally. The current retrospective study was conducted at the District Civil Hospital Osmanabad, Maharashtra, from April 2022 to March 2023. The objective of the current study was to investigate the clinicalepidemiological profile, demographics, characteristics, causes, treatment, and outcomes of acute poisoning cases in the east Marathwada region. A patient information sheet was used to compile the data, and evaluated using descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean, and standard deviation (Mean ± S. D.). A total of 143 cases of acute poisoning were reported at the emergency department among which the majority of the patients were female 86 (60.14%) with the highest incidence in the 21-30 age group (34.97%). Organophosphorus compound (OPC) poisoning (22.38%) and insecticide poisoning (14.69%) were the most common poisoning agents. Intentional poisoning was the major type, constituting 78.32% of cases, with family disharmony (27.27%) having a significant motive. Oral ingestion was the primary route, accounting for 97.90% of cases. Home environments were the most common source of poisoning (80.42%), and the highest incidence occurred during the autumn season (57.34%). Higher incidence rates (88.81%) were observed in rural areas, particularly among housewives (45.45%) and those with lower levels of education (56.64%). Atropine (61.23%) and pralidoxime (23.08%) were used in primary management. Positive outcomes were achieved in 92.31% of cases. This study highlights the complexity of acute poisoning and its comprehensive effects, showing the necessity for specific treatments and public awareness to reduce its negative effects on health.

Keywords: Acute poisoning, Pesticide poisoning, Food poisoning, Medication poisoning, Atropine.