Endosulfan toxicity: Is seizure a criterion for mortality?

Endosulfan is a chlorinated insecticide that causes Central Nervous System hyperstimulation state. Mortality and morbidity rates are high and there is no specific treatment for this toxicity. A retrospective study of endosulfan poisoning cases was conducted in the National Institute of Medical Science Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan to assess endosulfan poisoning cases and to find out the association between seizures and mortality. Data was retrieved from clinical records and laboratory files. Diagnosis was based on history and clinical findings. Blood samples of all the patients were sent for toxicological analysis. Out of 42 cases, 36 (85.71%) were males and 6 (14.29%) were females. Mean age of the victims was 34 years. 76.19% patients were farmers. The most common mode of poisoning was suicidal (95.24%). The total mortality rate was 78.57%. Generalised tonic-clonic (GTC) type seizure was recorded in 83.33% cases. The association between mortality and GTC seizure was found to be significant (p<0.0001). This study seeks special attention from government and implementation of strict legal guidelines to curb the menace of endosulfan poisoning.