Prevalence and Pattern of Acute Organophosphate Poisoning at a Tertiary Care Center in Western Nepal

Authors

  • Buddhi Raj Pokhrel Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
  • Dilip Sharma Banjade Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal
  • Shreeya Poudel Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v13i03.88646

Keywords:

Organophosphate, Pesticide, Prevalence

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Organophosphate (OP) poisoning remains a public health problem in developing countries, including Nepal. However, data on its prevalence and clinical profiles in Western Nepal are limited.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Western Nepal. After ethical approval (UCMS/IRC/116/22), medical records were reviewed for the period from June 2020, to August 2022. Among 317 poisoning cases, 131 involved OP compounds. Fourteen cases with inadequate or missing reports were excluded from further analysis. Socio-demographic and clinical details were noted. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis.

RESULTS
The prevalence of OP poisoning was 41.3% (95% CI: 35.8% - 46.9%). The median age of the patients was 27 years, with most cases occurring during the summer season (38.5%). Oral ingestion was the route of exposure in all cases, and suicidal intent was the major reason (90.6%). Chlorpyriphos was the most common OP compound (57.3%) used. The median time of hospital presentation was 6 hours. Vomiting was the most common presenting symptom (86.3%). Intermediate syndrome occurred in four patients. The mortality rate was 11.96%.

CONCLUSION
Married individuals in their late twenties had a higher prevalence of OP poisoning, predominantly associated with suicidal intentions. Strengthening regulations on the distribution and availability of pesticides could play a significant role in reducing the burden of OP poisoning.

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Author Biographies

Buddhi Raj Pokhrel, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

Department of Biochemistry

Dilip Sharma Banjade, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

MBBS student

Shreeya Poudel, Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa, Nepal

MBBS Student

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Buddhi Raj Pokhrel, Dilip Sharma Banjade, & Shreeya Poudel. (2025). Prevalence and Pattern of Acute Organophosphate Poisoning at a Tertiary Care Center in Western Nepal. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 13(03), 3–7. https://doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v13i03.88646

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 03 (2025): Issue 35

Section

Original Articles

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