title: Study of victims of organophosphorus compound poisoning: evaluation after medicolegal autopsy.
abstract: Indiscriminate use of organophosphorus compounds (OPC) increases the potential threat of self-poisoning and death. To make a conclusive diagnosis on academic interest a retrospective record-based study was undertaken. Postautopsy studies were carried out on 100 victims of OPC poisoning by collecting data from following 3 sources: Medicolegal autopsy reports, inquest reports, and inpatient case sheets. Mode of ingestion of OPC was to commit suicide. Incidence was more in 20 to 30 years age group, in females and in urban area. Diagnosis was confirmed by history of poison exposure, clinically well-defined cholinergic effects, and characteristic autopsy findings. Early and correct identification of the cause of poisoning enables specific treatment. Restrictions on access of very toxic pesticides through national policies and enforcement, public education on storage and safe use, early recognition of poisoning, and appropriate medical management may reduce the incidence of poisoning and death.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata 700004.
authors.forename: Supreeti
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Biswas
authors.forename: Kanchan Kumar
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Mondal
authors.forename: Debasish
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Som
authors.forename: Subesha Basu
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Swaraj
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haldar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062025:Organophosphate Poisoning; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds