Majallah-i Dānishgāh-i ̒Ulūm-i Pizishkī-i Bābul (Jan 1999)
An epidemiological study of acute poisoning in Babol during 1993-95
Abstract
Objective: To examine the causes and mortality of poisonings in Mazandaran province. Methods: A total of 411 poisoning cases referred to Shahid Yahyanejad hospital in Babol in period of one year (1993-1995) were included in this study. Various parameters in relation to poisonings have been investigated retrospectively in these cases. Findings: Data in these cases showed greater rate of poisoning for females (55.5%) than males (45.5%) but the rate of mortality for males was greater than that of females (65% versus 35%). Most of poisonings occurs at the age range of 16-25 years. Oral ingestion was the most common route of intoxication. Most cases of poisoning were referred to hospital between 8 and 12 a.m. Most of poisoning cases occurred intentionally followed by accidentally and occupationally. Of drugs diazepam (24.5%) was the first, followed by unknown drugs, carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, acetaminophen, aspirin and amitriptyline. Of chemicals, pesticides (More frequently organophosphates) were the first cause of poisoning. Respectively opiates, aluminum-phosphide, rodenticides, petroleum and ethanol intoxications were also commonly observed. Pesticides (Organophosphates and aluminum-phosphide) poisoning were most often lead to death, particularly in spring and summer. In total, 85.4% of cases were recovered without any sequale and 9% died. Conclusion: The majority of poisoning cases in adults occur intentionally and in children accidentally. Therefore, consideration should be given to limit and control the availability of chemicals and drugs. Further attempts to establish poison information centers in different parts of this province are highly suggested.
