Profile & Patterns of Poisoning Cases From Poison Detection Centre in Northen Karnataka- A One Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Acute poisoning is a medical emergency and a severe public health concern, imposing a pressure on healthcare systems. Understanding the type and form of poisoning using a Poison Detection Centre aids in the development of efficient prevention and management strategies. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate poisoning trends, as well as different factors such as manner of poisoning, type of poison used, outcome of poisoning, the most vulnerable age and gender group, victim occupation, marital status, and geographical distribution. Methods: A one-year retrospective analysis in which 136 poisoning cases reported to the poison detection center were compared to determine the age, gender, season, manner & nature of poisoning. Results & Discussion: Insecticide poisoning was the leading cause of death among 136 cases, with a mean ±SD age of 3.74±1.44 years. The majority (55 cases) were between 21 and 30 years old, with 50% being female. Only 8 cases were fatal, with 5 falling victim to insecticide poisoning, 5 to rat poison, and 27 to negative pesticides. Conclusion: This study was conducted to determine the usefulness of a Poison Detection Centre(PDC), which will assist physicians in making diagnoses and managing cases efficiently and swiftly, hence lowering the mortality and morbidity rate of poisoning. As a result, we must raise awareness about the importance of establishing PDCs in each institution.