Organophosphorus insecticide poisoning.

A review of 755 cases of Organophosphorus Insecticide Poisoning, admitted to the department of Intensive Care at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre between 15th January, 1976 to 31st December 1985, has shown that these insecticides form a majority of the cases of acute poisoning and are associated with a comparatively higher mortality rate. Of 1900 cases, 755 were cases of organophosphorus insecticide poisoning forming 39.7% of the total poisoning cases and 16% of the total admissions to the Unit. Being easily accessible, these insecticides are frequently used as suicidal agents specially by uneducated housewives. They are highly toxic and their management is very complicated. Of 108 deaths from poisoning in the last 10 years 73 (67.6%) were due to Organophosphorus Insecticide Poisoning. This being such a common mode of poisoning in our country, we have presented here our experience of the clinical features and management of these cases.