Study Of Incidence And Pattern Of Acute Poisoning Cases At Out Teritiary Care Hospital

Abstract

     

Introduction: A poison is a substance that is capable of causing illness or harm to living organisms on contact or upon introduction into the body and may be used deliberately with this intent. Toxins and venoms are poisons of biological origin, with the latter term usually reserved for those injected by the bite or sting of a poisonous animal. Acute poisoning is a medical emergency. It is important to know the nature, severity and outcome of acute poisoning cases in order to take up appropriate planning, prevention and management techniques to save innumerable lives. Management of critically ill patients of acute poisoning will greatly improve if the common causes of poisoning are properly defined.

Aim and Objective of the study: to assess the incidence and pattern of acute poisoning cases during hospital stay in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods: A detailed history had been taken from the patient or patient’s family. Data regarding age, sex, time elapsed after intake, circumstances of poisoning, name of poisonous substance, chemical type, duration of hospitalization, severity and outcome are collected. Data is collected for general physical examination and systemic examination of the patients. Data were collected from patient's case sheets and transferred to data entry format for evaluation.

Discussion and conclusion: It is important to know the nature and severity of poisoning in order to take appropriate preventive measures. Studies of this nature will be a useful tool in planning and management of critically ill acute poisoning cases. The initial approach to the poisoned patient should focus on six major areas: (1) resuscitation and stabilization; (2) history and physical examination, including evaluation for a specific toxidrome; (3) appropriate decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and eyes; (4) judicious use of laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and radiographic studies; (5) administration of specific antidotes, if indicated; and (6) utilization of enhanced elimination techniques for selected toxins. By taking proper measures mortality of acute poisoning cases can be decreased.