Acute Organophosphate Poisoning; Electrocardiographic Manifestations

Abstract

Patients and methods:All patients of either sex presenting with the history or evidence of exposure to organophosphorus compounds within 24 hours with characteristics manifestations of organophosphate poisoning were included in the study. Electrocardiographic manifestations were observed before the institution of medical therapy. Results: A total of 123 patients, 81 (65.9%) male and 42 (34.1%) female were included in the study. The Mean (+SD) age of the study participants was 29.07 (+ 9.61) years. Majority (74%) patients had age <35 years and 78 (63.4%) patients in this study had time duration of <6 hours between ingestion of organophosphorus and institution of therapy. The overall electrocardiographic changes were observed in 86.2% of patients. Out of these, ST elevation was seen in 19.8%, T-wave inversion in 17.9%, prolonged PR interval in 9.4%, atrial fibrillation in 6.6% and prolonged QTc interval seen in 46.2%. Conclusion: Electrocardiographical changes are common manifestation of acute organophosphate poisoning. Prolonged QTc interval and ST segment elevation are the most common finding in our patients. As these changes in ECG can lead to serious consequences, therefore it should be carefully evaluated in every patient with OP so that early intervention can be done.