Study on acute poisoning cases brought for Medico Legal Autopsy in Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad

Background: Regular epidemiological investigations are essential for gaining insights into the incidence ofpoisoning in various geographical areas. The purpose of this study was to assess the characteristics and trendsof deaths due to poisoning in Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad.Methods: Hospital records, inquest reports, post-mortem reports and toxicological analysis reports were analysedamong various age groups, sex, type and manner of poisoning. Snake bite poisoning cases were excluded.Results: Out of 318 cases, we got positive toxicological analysis report for 287 (90.2%) cases. In our studypredominance of male cases 259(81.45%) compared to female cases 59(18.55%) reported. In the age group mostinvolved was 21-30 yrs 107 cases (34%) followed by 31-40 yrs 82 (26%), 41-50 yrs 49 (15%). Organophosphatepoisoning reported in high number of cases 189(65.85%) followed by paraquat poisoning 44(15.33%), tabletpoisoning 23(2.01%), Sulphuric acid poisoning 22(7.67%) and others 9 (3.14%) (Rodenticide, phenol, pyrethroid,nitrite). In manner of death suicidal cases 311(97.80%) reported more followed by accidental cases 7 (2.20%). Insuicidal cases, economic constraints as a reason were outnumbered 209 cases (67.20%) followed by health issues52(16.72%), academic failure 35(11.25%), love failure 15(4.82%). In region wise, rural areas reported more cases244(76.73%) when compared to urban area 74 (23.27%). In season wise, more cases reported in April to July 148cases (46.50%) followed by December to March 97 cases (30.5%), August to November 73 (23%). Zero homicidalpoisoning noted.Conclusion: Organophosphate poisoning in active male population of rural areas with economic constraintswere reported to be predominant.