JIST

Abstract

Background: Organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) are chemical compounds that are used in pest control due to their low cost and easy availability. This boon is becoming a curse due to the fact that they are significantly contributing to poison related deaths. In this study, various parameters associated with organophosphorus compound deaths were analysed to further aid in prevention of more such fatalities.

Material and methods: A 12 month retrospective study was carried out at Bangalore, Karnataka by analyzing the postmortem findings, FSL reports, and relevant case history and police records. Among 445 poisoning cases in the year 2012, 175 were organophosphorous poisoning cases.

Results& Conclusion:The majority of the victims were illiterate (55%) and married (73%). In most of the cases victims consumed organophosphorous compound which was unidentified (48%) followed by methyl parathion (38%), dichlorvos (6%) and malathion (4%). Majority of the cases were male (76%). 79% of the victims received treatment. Maximum number of deaths was suicidal origin amounting to 94% of cases followed by accidental deaths (6%).Parental monitoring may prevent accidental deaths among pediatric age group. This study tried to identify the factors related to the fatal outcome of the OPC related deaths, so that appropriate preventive measures for OPCs relatedmortalitiesmay be derived.