ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING IN THE URBAN POPULATION; STUDY CONDUCTED AT NATIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER, KARACHI

The present study was performed to evaluate the patients suffered from pesticide poisoning during four years (1999-2002). The study conducted at National Poison Control Center, Kara- chi. The patients were categorized according to the severity of poisoning ranges from mild, moderate to severe and designated as A, B and C. Laboratory tests included blood complete picture, serum urea, creatinine, electrolyte and serum cholinesterase. S. Cholinesterase was che- cked on zero day of admission, repeated after 24 hrs., 3rd day, 5th day and 7th day. The results revealed that 44.97% had S. Cholinesterase level below the normal value, 33.21% landed within threshold range while 13.10% had their value above 10000 IU/ml. Other parameters showed altered haemoglobin, WBC count and S. Electrolytes. We suggest that the need of the day in developing countries is to educate the people, launch programs to change their attitude, train them regarding the safety profiles of pesticide use and implementation of law in true sense.