Abstract
Background: Paraphenylenediamine (kala pathar) poisoning is an emerging way of self-harm in developing countries. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical course and outcome of patients with this poisoning. Material & Methods: This case series was observed at Medical Unit B, DHQ Teaching Hospital, D.I.Khan, Pakistan over a period of two years from September 2013 to August 2015. Demographic details, clinical manifestations, complications, and outcome of patients with paraphenylenediamine poisoning were noted. Results: Thirty-eight patients were observed during the study period with male to female ratio of 1:18 and mean age of 22.08±6.42 years. Among 38 patients 27(71.1%) were unmarried, 27(71.1%) of low socioeconomic class, 28(73.7%) illiterate, and 23(60.5%) rural dwellers. Suicidal intention was identified in 36(94.74%) cases. Dysphagia was noted in 38(100%), cervicofacial oedema in 36(94.7%), dysponea in 36(94.7%), haematuria in 8(21.1%) and stridor in 7(18.4%) cases. Rhabdomyolysis was observed in 22(57.9%), acute renal failure in 15(39.5%), and shock in 10(26.3%) cases. The mortality rate was 47.4%. Conclusion: Paraphenylenediamine (kala pathar) poisoning is more common in poor, illiterate, unmarried females of younger age group living in rural areas in our set-up and is associated with very high mortality.

Habibullah Khan, Nisar Khan, Nowshad Khan, Iftikhar Ahmad, Faizan Shah, Atif Ur Rahman, Irfanullah Mahsud. (2016) CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH PARAPHENYLENEDIAMINE (KALA-PATHAR) POISONING, Gomal Journal of Medical Sciences , Volume 14, Issue 1.
  • Views 615
  • Downloads 55

Article Details

Volume
Issue
Type
Language