Hussain_2005_J.Coll.Physicians.Surg.Pak_15_100

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of patients with organophosphorus poisoning. DESIGN: Descriptive (non-interventional) study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Civil Hospital Karachi, from January 1996 to December 2002. PATIENTS AND
METHODS: Medical records of all the patients with organophosphorus poisoning, admitted during the study period, were reviewed. Their clinical features, complications, management and survival were noted.
RESULTS: Out of 52 patients, admitted to surgical intensive care unit during the study period, 92.31% survived and were discharged to medical wards. Major cause of mortality (7.69 %) was acute respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSION: The common cause of mortality in organophosphorus poisoning is aspiration pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is preventable by securing the airway early in emergency room.