Study on Demographic Patterns and Clinical Outcomes of Acute Poisoningin a Tertiary Hospital Setting

Introduction: Acute poisoning is a major global health concern, often resulting from exposure to agriculturalchemicals, pharmaceuticals, or household agents. Its pattern is shaped by socioeconomic, geographic, andoccupational factors. Outcomes depend on the type of poison, time to intervention, and quality of care,emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and effective management.Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included patients over 12 years with acutepoisoning presenting to the emergency or ICU. Detailed histories, clinical assessments, and lab investigationswere performed. Management included standard protocols, and outcomes were recorded. Data were analyzedusing appropriate statistical methods for clinical correlations.Results: Out of 120 patients, the highest incidence of acute poisoning was noted in the 21–30 years age group(33.3%), followed closely by the 12–20 years group (32.5%). Males comprised 59.2% (n=71) of cases, whilefemales accounted for 40.8% (n=49). Occupationally, students were the most affected group (34.2%), followedby private jobholders (26.7%) and housewives (20.8%). Among 78 suicidal poisoning cases, the most commonreason was unknown (50%), followed by family conflict (31.6%) and psychiatric illness (6.6%). The mostfrequently consumed poisons were organophosphates (13.3%), insecticides (10.8%), and aluminium phosphide(9.2%). Other agents included herbicides (5.8%), snakebites (7.5%), and drug overdoses (5%). Discharge wasthe outcome in 84.2% of cases, with a mortality rate of 15.8%. Patients presenting within 2 hours had an 84%discharge rate, while those arriving between 2–4 hours and after 4 hours had slightly lower or similar survivaloutcomes.Conclusion: The study underscores the predominance of intentional poisoning among the young population,with agrochemical exposure being a major contributor. Early medical intervention significantly improvessurvival, emphasizing the need for timely access to emergency care and preventive mental health strategies.