A Study of Acute Organophosphate Poisoning at a Tertiary Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka

Pesticide poisoning is a major health problem in India and many developing countries. Organophosphates are the most popular and most widely used insecticides in India. Organophosphates have become source for more incidences of insecticide poisoning than any other chemical class of insecticides. The present study is a 1 year retrospective analysis of 57 acute organophosphate poisoning cases admitted to the KLE's Dr.Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belgaum, Karnataka. In this study, incidence was more among men (63.2%) compared to women (36.8%) and there were more married persons (54.4%) than unmarried (45.6%). The most predominant age group involved was 21–30 years (38.60%). Suicide was the commonest manner poisoning (94.74%). Highest number of cases occurred in the winter (54.38%). Agriculture was the primary occupation of the family in 71.93% cases. Most of the patients were from rural area (80.7%). Pseudo-cholinesterase enzyme level was below the lower limit of normal value in 77.19% cases. The most common organophosphate compound detected was monocrotophos (42.10%). Maximum number of suicide cases was observed during the weekend (Saturday - 27.8%; Sunday - 20.4%). Of the 57 cases admitted, only 4 (7.02%) patients expired.