Prevalence of Phosphides and Phosphorous Poisoning Detected At Manipal Poison Detection Centre , Manipal

INTRODUCTION: Phosphorous is a highly reactive, poisonous element, occurring in solid state. Red phosphorus is non-volatile and unabsorbable. Yellow phosphorus is a local and systemic toxin. The dangers of phosphorous poisoning now are much more from its organic compounds which are used as insecticides and rodenticides. AIM: To study prevalence and demographic profile of Phosphides and Phosphorous Poisoning cases received at MPDC. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative test (using silver nitrite solution and aqueous lead acetate) for phosphides and phosphorus poisoning was performed with stomach wash contents of patients and reported positive only when the silver nitrite paper was blackened. RESULTS: Among 74 samples of suspected phosphides and phosphorous poisoning aged about 1 to 78 years in both males and females of which 42 were detected positive and 32 were negative. Over which phosphides and phosphorous poisoning was detected positive in 52.3% in males (n=22) and 47.6% in females (n=20). Around 57.1% of phosphides and phosphorus consumers were between the age group of 25 to 55 years. DISCUSSION: Phosphorous is a general protoplasmic poison causing cardiac, hepatic, renal and multi organ failure. Cardiac toxicity includes hypotension, tachycardia, cardiogenic shock. Liver being susceptible, transplantation is recommended in few cases. Phosphorus poisoning lacks specific antidote. Treatment is directed at removal of the poison and supportive therapy with possible survival benefit of early intravenous N-acetyl cysteine administration. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to determination of percentage of phosphides and phosphorous poisoning among different age groups. As this doesn't have a specific antidote, further research can be conducted. KEY WORDS: Yellow phosphorus, insecticides, Rodenticides