Journal of Clinical and Experimental Toxicology

An analytical study of deaths due to poisoning in Visakhapatnam

International Conference on Toxicology and Pharmacology
November 01-02, 2017 | Toronto, Canada

Rama Krishna Pedada, V Chandra Sekhar, P Venkata Ramana Rao and N Dev Chand

Andhra Medical College- King George Hospital, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts : J Clin Exp Tox

Abstract:

Objective: To determine and classify the various types of poisoning deaths as seen at Andhra Medical College Mortuary, Visakhapatnam city. Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective study of all the deaths due to poisoning seen in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam City over a 15-year period (January 2001December 2015) as recorded in the autopsy registers and postmortem reports of the department. Observations: Poisoning is one of the commonest methods of committing suicide especially in developing countries like India. A total of 22475 autopsies were done during the period. 2074 cases representing 9.23% of all bodies received by the mortuary were deaths due to poisoning. Organophosphate compounds were the most commonly 78.98% abused substance. The common motive of poisoning was suicidal 93.43% with male to female ratio 6.69:1. Peak incidence was observed in the age group 21-40 years. Type of poison consumed, socioeconomic status and place of household are also ascertained. Conclusion: This study shows the pattern of poisoning deaths in Visakhapatnam and this preliminary data will provide a baseline for future research and help in formulating policies to prevent deaths due to poisoning.

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