STUDY OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF HOUSEHOLD AND AGRICULTURAL INSECTICIDE POISONING PATIENTS WITH REFERENCE TO SERUM CHOLINESTERASE LEVELS

Abstract

Insecticides are abused for homicidal and suicidal purpose because of their low cost, rapid action and easy availability. It was planned to study clinical profile, outcome, morbidity and mortality with reference to serum cholinesterase levels in case of organic phosphorus and carbamate insecticide poisoning in human. A total of 50 hospitalized cases of insecticide poisoning were evaluated in this study. It was observed that insecticide poisoning was most common in young males of age group 15-30 years (48%). Most common insecticide abused was organic phosphorus insecticide (74%) and were associated with increased mortality rate. Delay in hospitalisation of >2 hours was associated with increased mortality (13 cases). Serum cholinesterase level in acute organic phosphorus and carbamate poisoning was a useful marker for diagnosis but not for prognosis. Insecticide poisoning was associated with significant mortality and morbidity, and it was highest with organic phosphorus insecticide group.