This study aimed to review the presentation and management of patients with
organophosphate poisoning admitted to the four tertiary teaching hospitals
in Perth, Western Australia, over a 10-year period, The case notes of all
69 patients admitted with a discharge diagnosis of organophosphate poisonin
g were reviewed. Twenty-two of 25 patients (88%) attempting suicide were ad
mitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs), with a mean stay of 7 days (range 1-
25 days). All but one were men, and two died. The 44 patients with accident
al exposure were mainly children and had a mean stay of 2 days, with only s
even going to the ICU. All survived. Complications overall included respira
tory failure, convulsions, and aspiration pneumonia. Intubation and ventila
tion were required in 11 patients (16%), with a mean ventilation duration o
f 6 days (range 1-25 days). We conclude that deliberate ingestion of organo
phosphates is considerably more toxic than accidental exposure. Men aged 30
-50 years were the most likely to attempt suicide with these agents and had
prolonged ICU admissions with significant complications and mortality. (C)
1999 Elsevier Science Inc.