Tallat Naheed, Nabeel Akbar, Naueen Akbar, Rashid Munir.
Acute poisoning in the city of Punjab - how can we help these souls?
J Fatima Jinnah Med Coll Lahore Dec 2007;1(3-4):56-8.
Mayo hospital, Lahore

To study the pattern of acute poisoning and their outcome and reasons for poisoning. Observational, hospital based study. Patients who were admitted on take days of Medical Unit-II of Mayo hospital, Lahore. One hundred and fourteen patients were admitted. Males 60, Females 54. age range 14-65. years (25.89±11.48). 94/114 deliberate self-harm (DSH). 20/114 homicidal. Patients were brought to hospital after intake of drugs within 15 minutes to 4 day with median of 2.00 days. Patients recovered after treatment from 1-288 hours. (median of 24 hours). Those who had chest complications stayed longer, 106/114 were discharged, 8/114 died. 52/114 was below 20 years. Younger patients had altogether different reasons as compared to older age group for causing DSH. Those who had urban background mostly ingested household chemicals, whereas with rural background were poisoned by phosgene gas (wheat pill) or pesticides. Those with unknown poisons were due to sedatives or opium given in sweetmeats, biscuits or soft drinks. Conclusion: Suicide or DSH are alarmingly high and is prevalent in all strata of income and educational levels. Those who are at risk of major depression need solace from family, friends, society and government institutions. Multidisciplinary team led by consultant liaison psychiatry nurses/clinical psychologist should be of great help.

Category: Forensic Medicine
Keywords: Deliberate Self Harm. Poisoning.

Click here for Full Text Article

This article has been viewed 218 times

Submit your Research Synopsis for Free Expert analysis - Search- Feedback - Drug Index
Post and View Comments on this Article