((A-273)) (A-273) A Ten-year Record Analysis of Acute Poisoning in a Tertiary Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Acute poisoning is a leading cause of medical emergencies worldwide, with high rates of illness and death. There is limited data on acute poisoning patterns in Nigeria.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the pattern and treatment outcomes of acute poisoning patients in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan over a ten-year period.

Methods: The hospital-based retrospective study spanned ten years (January 2013 - December 2022). The record files of patients diagnosed with acute poisoning were retrieved from the health records department. Thereafter, demographics, poisoning-related history, and treatment outcomes were obtained. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS version 23.

Results: Of the 150 patients, 95(63.3%) were in the age range 19-44 years, and 80 (53.3%) were male. A very high proportion, 127/150(84.7%) were intentional poisoning. Pesticides constituted the commonest 74(48.7), poison class, followed by household agents 47 (30.9%) and pharmaceuticals 31 (20.3%). The specific chemical agents/substances, involved in the poisonings were organophosphates 46(30.3%), sodium hypochlorite 13(8.6%), paraquat 10(6.6%), chemical/corrosives 8(5.3%), chloroxylenol 5(3.3%), paracetamol 5(3.3%), antipsychotics 5(3.3%) and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 4 (2.6%). The case fatality rate of acute poisoning cases was 16%. Overall, pesticides accounted for the highest fatality 15/24 (62.5%).

Conclusions: Pesticides, commonly used household chemicals and drugs, were responsible for the acute poisoning at UCH, Ibadan. The case fatality rate for acute poisoning was high. Larger, multicentre studies will be needed for further elucidation and to assist in the management of poisoned patients in Nigeria. The development of a national poison centre in Nigeria is recommended.