Analysis of Various Retrospective Poisoning Cases in Tertiary Care Hospital in Tamil Nadu

Acute poisoning is a global problem of the world which has steadily increased over the past few years. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality which is increasing day by day in developing countries. The mortality and morbidity due to poison can be reduced if the incidence and pattern of acute poisoning is known. The study aims to analyzing the pattern, cause and mortality rate of poisoning. The study was conducted in a rural area in Tamil Nadu, India. This retrospective study was conducted from September 2010 to April 2011. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. During the study period 261 poisoning cases were reviewed. Out of these 261 cases 150 were males and 111 were females. Poisoning was common in the age group of 21-35 years which was 178 cases and in the range of 5-21 years were 43 cases. The poison consumed were as follow(s): Oleander seeds 60 cases, Snake bite 52 cases, Food poisoning 42 cases, Organophosporous 37 cases, All out 13 cases, Multi tablet(???) 10 cases, Benzodiazepine and HIT 6 cases, Rodenticide 7 cases, Hair dye 5 cases, Antipsychotic, Endosulphan and scorpion bite 3 cases, Inhalational and Pain killer 2 cases, Cetrizine, Insulin, Petrol and Savlon liquid 1 cases and unknown 4 cases. 60.92% were suicide and 39.08% accidental, mortality rate were 0.4%. Establishment of strict policies against the sale and easily availability of pesticides and over the counter drugs is an effective way to control organophosporous and drug poisoning.