OUTCOME OF ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING IN CHILDREN IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objectives: To study the cholinesterase levels at admission in children with OP poisoning. To determine the median total dose and duration of Atropine and Pralidoxime used. To study the morbidity and mortality among children with OP poisoning.

Study Design: Retrospective and Prospective observational study.

Subjects: Children aged 1 month to 18 years admitted in Dept. of Paediatrics

Results: 45 children were enrolled in the study. The median serum cholinesterase at admission was 485 U/L. The median total dose of Atropine used was 9.7 mg/kg and duration being 7 days. The median total dose of Pralidoxime was 261.6 mg/kg and duration being 2.5 days. The complications observed included seizures, respiratory failure, coma and shock. One child expired during the study period following alleged consumption of Monocrotophos.

Conclusion: Though OP poisoning comprised 0.002% of total pediatric admissions during the study period, aggressive management was life saving for these children.