A prospective observational study on different poisoning cases and their outcomes in a tertiary care hospital

Objectives: Poisonings and snake bites constitute major health-care problems worldwide. This observational study was conducted to identify factors associated with outcomes in such cases and to suggest strategies to improve them. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in the emergency medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. The study included 102 poisoning and 64 snake bite cases. Data regarding demographics, mode of poisoning, lag time in treatment, first aid, outside and indoor treatment, co-morbid illness, duration of hospitalisation and final outcome were collected in a prestructured proforma. Results: The age of the patients ranged from 11 to 68 years and incidence was more common among males (69.9%) compared to females (30.1%). The major types of poisonings included organophosphorus compounds (16.3%), aluminium phosphide (12%), drug overdose (10.8%) and corrosives (6%). There were 18 (18.6%) and 1 (1.6%) deaths in poisoning and snake bite cases, respectively. In poisoning cases, the duration of hospitalisation was significantly decreased if patient received outside treatment ( p = 0.02) and if he or she had lesser lag time in reaching the hospital ( p = 0.009). Conclusions: Measures to reduce lag time and provide immediate treatment at initial encounter may be effective in reducing duration of hospitalisation and possibly mortality in poisoning and snake bite cases.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

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