Effect of Organophosphorus Poisons on Liver and Kidneys in Coastal Odisha: An Autopsy Based Histopathological Study

Background: The wide exposure to organophosphorus compounds in India, especially in agricultural communities, results in an enormously high rate of acute poisoning mostly through deliberate ingestion. The present study aims at reviewing the histopathological changes in liver and kidneys in cases of fatal poisoning with OP compounds, with emphasis on the need for comprehensive strategies of management. Methods: This autopsy-based, retrospective study considered 100 adult patients who died due to OP poisoning from January 2018 to December 2022. Demographic data, clinical features, and biochemical parameters were obtained from case records. Both liver and kidney tissues were subjected to histopathological examination in order to assess the severity of damage to organs. Results: The majority were males with a mean age of 34 years. Presentation most cases of chlorpyrifos presented with suicidal ingestion. The average time from ingestion to presentation was 141 minutes, and there was a significant correlation between late admission and an increase in mortality. Other clinical presentations were vomiting, 60%, and miosis, 72%. The initial average of pseudocholinesterase was 1444 IU/l. Other complications like hypokalemia took place in 29% of the patients. Sepsis accounted for 8%, while hospital-acquired pneumonia accounted for 3%. Histopathological Feature The liver and kidneys showed severe damage. Conclusion: The present study highlights complexities in the management of OP poisoning and urgent need for timely medical support to the patients along with psychological. Admission timing correlation with outcome requires quick and timely intervention. Biochemical monitoring includes pseudocholinesterase level estimation, an important component of management protocol. Future studies need to be focused on management strategies and psychosocial factors which involve poisoning incidents.