Profile and pattern of poisoning cases reported in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kerala

Poisoning is a major socio economic problem worldwide. Morbidity and mortality resulting from poisoning varies from region to region within our country. Till date a definite data relating to profile and pattern of poisoning cases in this part of country is not available.

The profile and pattern of poisoning cases admitted in Jubilee Mission Medical College & Research Institute, Thrissur over a period of one year was studied retrospectively based on medical records.

Among the 182 cases studied majority were females. The most commonly affected age group was 21–30 years. Married outnumbered the unmarried. The incidence of poisoning was higher during the month of May. Incidences of suicidal cases were highest in the present study followed by accidental poisoning. Few cases were of undetermined origin. Mode of administration of poison in all the cases is oral. The study observed increasing trend of poisoning by Pharmaceutical products followed by insecticides.

Analyzing the trends in poisoning in a particular zone periodically will help the health policy-makers to plan management policies and prevention strategies.