Study of Acute Poisoning Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital of South-Eastern Odisha

Periodic epidemiological studies are necessary to understand the pattern of poisoning in each region. Studies of this nature will act as a useful planning tool for providing healthcare facilities to reduce the poisoning associated mortality rate.

This is a prospective study in which all acute poisoning cases admitted to a tertiary care centre of South-eastern Odisha (Bhubaneswar) during the period from 1st October'12 to 30th Septembe'14 were included and evaluated. A total of 110 cases of acute poisoning were admitted during the study period and all of them are part of this study. Majority of the patients were seen in the age group of 21–30 years, in both males as well as females (n=50, 45.5%). As per the type of poisoning, the largest number of cases-41(37.3%) were of insecticide and pesticide poisoning. Although there is already a legal framework for safety and controlled sale of these chemicals, there is a need for strict implementation of these measures. Most of the cases were of intentional (suicidal) poisoning. All these cases must undergo psychiatric evaluation during their stay in the hospital. This will minimize the risk of next attempt of self-harm.