Organophosphorus insecticide poisoning: management in surgical intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the outcome of patients with organophosphorus poisoning.


METHODS
Descriptive (non-interventional) study.


METHODS
Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Civil Hospital Karachi, from January 1996 to December 2002.


METHODS
Medical records of all the patients with organophosphorus poisoning, admitted during the study period, were reviewed. Their clinical features, complications, management and survival were noted.


RESULTS
Out of 52 patients, admitted to surgical intensive care unit during the study period, 92.31% survived and were discharged to medical wards. Major cause of mortality (7.69 %) was acute respiratory distress syndrome.


CONCLUSIONS
The common cause of mortality in organophosphorus poisoning is aspiration pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is preventable by securing the airway early in emergency room.
Hussain
Aziza Mohammed
AM
Department of Anaesthesia, Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, P.O.Box 3500, Karachi-74800, Pakistan. azizamh@cyber.net.pk
Sultan
S Tipu
ST
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007306:Insecticides / Q000506:poisoning*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011015:Pneumonia, Aspiration / Q000139:chemically induced; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D007306:Insecticides