Profile of Acute Poisoning Cases Recorded in M S Ramaiah Medical College and Teaching Hospital

Poisoning is a major problem all over the world and comprises a significant bulk of hospital admissions at a tertiary care hospital. There has also been a change in the pattern of poisoning in various areas, hence, important to know the pattern of poisoning in a given region so as to enable in making a rapid clinical diagnosis, initiate proper treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. To find out the patient profile, the common poisons and outcome of poisoning cases a retrospective analysis of all acute poisoning cases admitted to the casualty of M S. Ramaiah Medical College&Teaching Hospital for a period of one year was done. Data on age, sex, type of poisoning, poisonous substances consumed, treatment, outcome and counselling were analysed. The age varied from 1-80 years. The male female ratio was 1.05: 1. Majority of the poisoning cases were of 21-30 years. Moreover, 85% cases reported were intentional poisoning and 25% cases of poisoning were with miscellaneous agents followed by 22% each of organophosphorus&single medicinal preparations. During the hospital stay 87% of patients were discharged after effective treatment. Suicide attempts were common among adolescents and 69% of the cases were counseled.