Pattern and Prevalence of Poisoning Cases Reported to a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Tejasvi J; Krishna Murthy  Kandagatla; Selvatkar Keerthi  Manogna

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1918

Authors

Dr. Tejasvi J Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India.
Dr. Krishna Murthy Kandagatla Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College,Nagarkurnool, Telangana, India.
Dr. Selvatkar Keerthi Manogna Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kakatiya Medical College, Hanumakonda, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1918

Keywords:

Poisoning, Organophosphates, Suicidal Ingestion, Retrospective Study, Tertiary Care, Clinical Profile, Antidote, Epidemiology

Abstract

Background
Poisoning remains a significant public health issue in developing countries, contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Identifying patterns and prevalent substances involved is essential for guiding preventive measures and clinical management.

Objective
To analyze the demographic profile, type, intent, clinical presentation, and outcomes of poisoning cases reported to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional observational study included 100 patients admitted with acute poisoning over a 12-month period. Data were collected from hospital records, including demographic details, type and intent of poisoning, presenting symptoms, time to hospital presentation, interventions, and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

Results
Most poisoning cases occurred in individuals aged 21–30 years (42%), followed by the 11–20 age group (28%). Males (58%) were more commonly affected than females (42%) (Table 1). The most frequent agents were organophosphorus compounds (35%), followed by non-OP pesticides (15%) and drug overdoses (14%) (Table 2). Suicidal intent was predominant (66%), while accidental ingestion accounted for 28% of cases (Table 3). Vomiting (72%) was the most common presenting symptom, with altered sensorium (34%) and respiratory distress (20%) also observed (Table 4). The majority of patients presented within 2–6 hours (44%) (Table 5). Gastric lavage was performed in 82% of cases; specific antidotes were administered in 38%. ICU admission was needed in 27% and 12% required ventilatory support. Complete recovery was observed in 85% of patients, with a mortality rate of 7% (Table 6).

Conclusion
Poisoning primarily affects young adults, with a high rate of suicidal intent and organophosphorus compound involvement. Early recognition, timely intervention, and psychiatric counseling are critical to improving outcomes.

Recommendations

Enhance public awareness, regulate toxic substances, strengthen rural healthcare, and integrate psychiatric support to prevent and manage poisoning cases

Author Biographies

Dr. Tejasvi J, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India.

Dr. Tejasvi J is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Government Medical College, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, and obtained her MD in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. With over three years of teaching experience, she has successfully mentored undergraduate students for ICMR-funded research projects. She has one research publication in a reputed journal focusing on forensic medicine. Her research interests include medico-legal case management, toxicology, and forensic pathology.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7009-5056

Dr. Krishna Murthy Kandagatla, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College,Nagarkurnool, Telangana, India.

Dr. Krishna Murthy Kandagatla is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Government Medical College, Nagarkurnool, Telangana, India, since 22nd May 2023 on a regular basis. He completed his MD in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad (2016–2019). Prior to his current role, he served on a contractual basis at Government Medical College, Nalgonda from 2020 to 2023. He has over five years of post-MD teaching experience and is actively involved in both academic and medico-legal work. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7360-7210

Dr. Selvatkar Keerthi Manogna, Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kakatiya Medical College, Hanumakonda, Telangana, India.

Dr. Selvatkar Keerthi Manogna is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Kakatiya Medical College, Hanumakonda, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS from Malla Reddy Institute of Medical Sciences, Suraram, Hyderabad, and pursued her MD in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology from Kakatiya Medical College, Hanumakonda. With over one year of teaching experience, she has successfully mentored undergraduate students for ICMR-funded research projects and has published one research paper in a reputed journal focusing on forensic medicine. Her academic interests include medico-legal case management, toxicology, and forensic pathology. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5712-766X

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