AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

Study of epidemiological profile and clinical presentation of poisoning cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Cross–sectional study conducted at SMCH for 1 year, including 743 patients of both gender, 12 years or older.

RESULTS:

The study showed male preponderance. The commonest poison type in male was organo–phosphorus compound whereas in females, phenol was commonest, organo–phosphorus compound being second common. Commonest age group was 20–30 years in both sex. Most patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Most of the patients attended hospital within 4–8 hours of intake.

The mortality rate was 2.8% overall.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed a male preponderance of poisoning in the age group 20–30 years. The commonest etiology overall was organo–phosphorus compounds whereas in females, phenol was most common.