OUTCOME OF PARACETAMOL(ACETAMINOPHEN) POISONING CASES AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL-A RECORD BASED RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Paracetamol (PCM, Acetaminophen) is one of the most widely used drug in the world. It is an effective mild analgesic, antipyretic agent which is inexpensive and mostly sold as an over the counter drug. Paracetamol or acetaminophen overdose is a common means of self poisoning worldwide due to its wide availability and accessibility. A record based retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital to determine the demographic prole of paracetamol poisoning cases and to record the outcome of paracetamol poisoning cases .Primary outcome in terms of development of hepatotoxity and days of hospitalization and Secondary outcome in terms of recovery status as either survived or expired. Datas of 70 patients admitted with history of paracetamol poisoning in the past year was obtained and analysed for demodraphic and clinical features.It was observed that most predominance of paracetamol overdose in young age with median age of 26 with female preponderance and Hepatotoxicity was seen in only six cases of all paracetamol overdose with no mortalities.This study concluded that Paracetamol poisoning is frequently seen in young females attempting suicide. In India the rate of hepatic toxicity tends to be low. Mortality and Morbidity were not seen despite high doses of paracetamol ingestion.