Citation

Kanj N, Khani M, Harb H, Jibrail J, Taha AM. Crit. Care Med. 1999; 27(1 Suppl): A67.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Overdose and poisoning rank very high among methods of suicide and deliberate self poisoning. The most serious and widespread poisoning in developing countries continues to be organophosphate intoxication. We report on our experience with 303 admissions of drug overdose and parathion poisoning.

METHODS: 303 patients (209 F and 94 M with mean age of 24 years) admitted to our center over 7 years period (1989-1996) with drug overdose or parathion poisoning secondary to confirmed suicidal attempt were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic variables together with cardiac, respiratory and neurologic events were analysed.

RESULTS: Parathion poisoning constituted 31% of all cases (95 out of 303). Sixteen patients died with an average length of stay of 8 days. Benzodiazepine and antidepressant overdose accounted for the other 2 fatalities. Central nervous system complications including delerium, convulsions, and coma, cardiovascular system events ranging from blood pressure variations to cardiac arrhythmias and arrest, and respiratory events ranging from hypoxemia, pneumonia and mechanical ventilation were observed in 83% of patients who died. i.e. 15 patients.

CONCLUSIONS: Parathion ingestion carries a significant morbidity and mortality and continues to be a major health hazard (especially in patients attempting suicide). Preventive measures are therefore of paramount importance.

Language: en