DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i03.020

Pages: 954-958

Background: Poisoning with organophosphorus compounds (OPCs) is one of the commonest forms of poisonings in our country especially in rural areas especially due to easy availability. Intermediate syndrome (IS) appears after the acute cholinergic phase but before the expected onset of delayed neuropathy characterised by weakness of neck flexors & proximal muscle, cranial nerve palsies & respiratory muscle paralysis which usually develops between 24 to 96 hours of ingestion of the poison. Aim: To study the clinical profile of IS in patients admitted with OPCs Poisoning. Results: Out of 130 cases of OPCs poisoning, 36 (27.69%) cases were with intermediate syndrome. Proportion of poisoning was higher in males (67.6%) as compared to females. Artificial ventilation was required by 89% patients with IS for mean duration of 10 days. Out of 5 deaths, 2 attributed to patients with IS. Ventilator support significantly associated with development of IS. Presence of combination of altered sensorium, flaccid paralysis and respiratory insufficiency was statistically significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Early recognition of the intermediate syndrome, timely ventilator support and intensive follow ups are keys to reduce mortality in OPCs poisoning.