Abstract

Poisoning is a significant global public health concern, with rising incidence rates and diverse toxic agents posing challenges for healthcare systems, especially in low and middle-income countries like India. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the clinicopathological features of poisoning cases, including both survivors and fatalities, within a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. A retrospective observational study was conducted, collecting data from patients presenting with poisoning over a defined period. Demographic, clinical, toxicological, and outcome data were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with fatal outcomes.Survivors were significantly younger and had higher Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores on admission than deceased individuals. Pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, pesticides, plants, and industrial chemicals were major toxic agents involved, with pharmaceuticals being common in both groups. Laboratory investigations revealed differences in hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and liver enzyme levels between survivors and deceased individuals. Survivors had better recovery rates and fewer complications. Age, GCS scores, and specific toxic agents were significant predictors of fatal outcomes. This study sheds light on the clinicopathological features of poisoning cases in Northern India and emphasizes the importance of age, GCS scores, and the type of toxic agent in determining outcomes. The findings have implications for targeted preventive measures, early intervention, and healthcare resource allocation to reduce the burden of poisoning in the region.

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