Study of Electrocardiographic and Enzymatic Manifestations in 70 cases of Organophosphorous Poisoning Treated in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Organophosphorous compounds are the most common suicidal poison in developing countries and mortality continues to be high. Studies relating organophosphorus compounds to cardiac involvement are rare. This research was planned to study the effect of organophosphorous compounds on myocardium on the basis of various biochemical parameters and electrocardiography.

70 adult patients admitted to J.A. Group of Hospitals, Gwalior from June 2010 to November 2011 were included in the study. After initial stabilization of the patient, clinical features were noted, electrocardiogram recorded and blood sent for routine biochemistry and estimation of cardiac enzymes (CPK-MB, LDH).

Most of the patients belonged to 21–30 years age group [24 (40%)]. CPK-MB levels were found to be significantly elevated in 47(67.1%) with p-value = 0.011. Similarly, LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) levels were significantly raised in 27 cases (38.6%), p-value = 0.00005. ECG recorded on admission was abnormal in 50 cases (71.4%). QTc interval prolongation was the most common abnormality seen [38 cases (54.3%)], followed by ST-T changes seen in 34 cases (48.6%). Out of 70 cases, 10 (14.29%) patients died; all 10 of them showed elevated CPK-MB and LDH levels and had an abnormal ECG on admission.

In organophosphorous poisoning, one must also monitor the cardiac parameters carefully as they may critically alter the outcome.