Profile and Outcome of Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Yellow Phosphorus Poisoning

A BSTRACT Background: Yellow phosphorus-containing rodenticide poisoning as a means of deliberate self-harm is being widely encountered in South India. Hence, a comprehensive study delineating its profile and patient outcome is required to implement measures to control the persistent threat. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective observational study of all patients presenting to the emergency department with a history of consumption of yellow phosphorus rodenticide poisoning between 2014 and 2020. Institutional review board approval was obtained before commencement. Results: During the study period, 164 patients who presented with consumption of yellow phosphorous were included in the analysis. The mean age with standard deviation of patients was 27.5 (10.6) years, with a female preponderance (87/164: 53.1%). N -acetyl cysteine (NAC) was administered in 87.2% (143/164), and its administration within 48 h of poison consumption showed a significant correlation with good outcomes (72.3% vs. 50%; OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18–0.80; P- value = 0.012). Altered sensorium, hypoxemia, transaminitis, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoalbuminemia had significant correlations with bad outcomes. The in-hospital mortality rate was 9.7% (16/164), and 21.4% (35/164) of the patients left against medical advice. Conclusion: Yellow phosphorous poisoning is associated with significant mortality. NAC given within 48 h of patient presentation had a significant correlation with good outcomes.