Citation

Ropmay AD, Slong D, Gogoi SJ, Tesia SS. Med. Legal Update 2014; 14(1): 193-197.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, R.K. Sharma and Institute of Medico-Legal Publications)

DOI

10.5958/j.0974-1283.14.1.045

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Every incident of poisoning is fraught with medico-legal and ethical implications. Knowledge of the poisoning profile in a particular area is helpful to ensure better management and prevention of such episodes in future.

METHOD: All cases admitted to the emergency department of the hospital between July 2009 and June 2012 with suspicion of acute poisoning (from the history and clinical findings) were included in the study. Data was obtained retrospectively from the Casualty Medico-Legal Case (MLC) Registers for that period and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007.

RESULTS: Males in the age group 21 to 30 years were most commonly affected. The mode of poisoning was mainly an overdose of drugs and medicinal substances. The majority of cases were suicidal attempts.

CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach is needed to deal with the problem of suicidal poisoning, especially in the vulnerable age group of young adults and adolescents in the northeast region. The misuse of prescription drugs calls for health education and enforcement of laws to curb illicit sale and trafficking of medicinal substances.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; Poisoning; India; suicide attempt; intoxication; Suicidal; article; drug intoxication; law enforcement; drug misuse; illicit drug; drug traffic; teaching hospital; young adult; prescription drug; Northeast region