Study of poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital.
Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ). 2012 Oct-Dec;10(40):70-3.
BACKGROUND: Poisoning is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in
Nepal and also a major public health problem worldwide. A thorough review of the
risk factors helps to decrease the incidence and mortality. The study evaluates
the cases admitted in Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, Various parameters like age,
sex, marital status, time of ingestion, month of occurrence, agent responsible
for incidence; type of poisoning, psychosocial problem, outcome and duration of
treatment are analyzed.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to determine the pattern and
severity of poisoning cases admitted to Dhulikhel Hospital.
METHODS: A hospital based study was carried out in the patient admitted to
Dhulikhel Hospital with the history of poisoning for the period of one year
between April 2011 to March 2012. Various parameters were analyzed and compared
with other study.
RESULTS: There were 137 cases during the one year duration and maximum case
belonged to second and third decade of life. Most common manner of poisoning was
suicidal and the incidence was mainly during evening hours. Organophosphorus was
the most commonly abused substance. Most of the cases had arrived hospital after
one hour of exposure and duration of hospital stay in many cases were less than
four days.
CONCLUSION: Based on these findings preventive measures like precaution taken at
various levels, restriction in free sale of the poisons and promoting Poison
Information Centers along with public awareness and proper psychosocial
management to decrease the incidence and mortality in poisoning cases can be
suggested.
Karki RK, Risal A