ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE PROFILE AND PRESENTATION OF POISONING CASES IN ADULTS

Background: Acute poisoning is a common medical emergency encountered in practice. The knowledge profile of poisoning cases encountered in a particular area is useful to prepare health care professionals to handle these emergencies efficiently. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out by perusing and analyzing the hospital records of all the 160 cases of poisoning admitted above 15 years of age to Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan from July 2014 to June 2017. Results: The maximum percentage (43.1%) of poisoning cases occurred in younger age group (15-24 years). Gender distribution of poisoning cases showed steep rise in males after 40 years of age with male to female ratio of 3.8:1. Suicidal poisoning are most common 122 (76%). Organophosphorus compounds were most common cause of poisoning 67 (41.9%). Conclusion: Highest number of cases of poisoning was encountered in younger age group 15-24 years. There was steep rise of poisoning cases after 40 years of age in males (M:F=3.8:1). Organophosphorus compounds were most commonly used for this purpose