Spectrum of organophoshorous poisoning in Manipal

Organophosphorous compounds are extensively used in agriculture as insecticides. 153 cases of organophosphorous poisoning presented to Kasturba Hospital Manipal, Karnataka between January 2001 to December 2002 formed the material for the study. Most common reason for poisoning was suicide (98.7%). 21-30years was the commonest age group (36.6%) and 75.1% were males. In 65.4% poison was consumed during day time. In 31.4% of the cases poison was consumed in the summer months. Methyl Parathion was the most common compound consumed. Respiratory failure was the most common complication (43.1%). Mortality was 26.2% and 30% of the victims died with in 24 hours.