Pattern, Severity and Outcome of Acute Pesticide Poisoning Among Patients Admitted to Alexandria Poison Center

Abstract

Background: Pesticide use to control pests is a common practice worldwide. Pesticide exposure can cause acute toxicity and account for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, this study investigated the pattern, severity, and outcome of acute pesticide poisoning. Subject and Method: The study enrolled all patients with acute pesticide poisoning admitted to Alexandria Poison Center (APC) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Alexandria Main University Hospital from 1 January to 30 June 2019. Results: The present study was conducted on 678 patients (617 in APC group and 61 in ICU group). Accidental poisoning occurred in 64.9% of the patients and 55.2% of the patients were exposed to insecticides. In APC group, 25.1% of patients were exposed to carbamates, while in ICU group, 70.5% were exposed to aluminum phosphide. It was found that patients admitted to the ICU had a significantly longer time before receiving medical care compared to other patients (p=0.001). Regarding outcomes, 52.2% of the patients recovered, 34% did not complete their management, 0.1% developed complications and 6.5% died. A significant difference was found between the two studied groups regarding outcome, where MCP Conclusion: The current study examined acute pesticide poisoning in APC in depth. It highlighted the association between the need for ICU admission and various factors, including delayed medical care and poisoning with aluminum phosphide. It also pointed to the poisoning severity score as a predictor of acute pesticide poisoning outcome.