Pattern of Organophosphate Poisoning in Bapuji Hospital, Davangere (2011 - 2013)

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and
mortality worldwide. Organophosphorus compounds are commonly used for suicide worldwide. Method:
This observational study was conducted on patients of organophosphate poisoning admitted to Bapuji
Hospital, Davangere during the period spanning October 2011 to March 2013. Total number of cases
studied were 150. Data was collected from hospital admission records, hospital MLC registers, patient
case history. Results: The maximum number of cases was seen in the 21 to 30 years age group with male
predominance. All the study participants were found to be employed in agricultural labor. The commonest
poison consumed in the study was Malathion. Majority of the patients consumed twice the lethal dose of
poison. All the fatalities had suicidal manner of consumption, and all the accidental consumption cases
survived. Discussion: Our study showed a notably higher fatality rate possibly due to higher amounts of
poison consumed with other findings comparable with previous studies. Conclusion: This study concludes
that most cases of organophosphorus poisoning were reported in adult male farmers with malathion being
the most common source for poisoning. Even though malathion is not suitable to be an ideal suicidal poison
and has unpalatable taste, majority of the patients consumed poison in quantities more than the lethal dose
which translates to higher mortality rates.