EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE AND PREDICTORS OF PESTICIDE-RELATED FATALITIES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE OF WEST BENGAL: A RETROSPECTIVE AUTOPSY STUDY
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Keywords
pesticide poisoning, organophosphorus, autopsy, West Bengal, forensic study
Abstract
Pesticide poisoning contributes significantly to unnatural deaths in agrarian regions of India. Autopsy-based data offer valuable insights into demographic predictors, poison types, and histopathological changes associated with fatal pesticide ingestion.
Objectives: To analyze demographic factors, determinants, patterns of pesticide poisoning, and autopsy findings among fatal cases in a tertiary care centre in West Bengal.
Methods: A retrospective autopsy-based study was conducted at Burdwan Medical College & Hospital from February 2015 to January 2016. Of 2,423 total autopsies, 351 (14.38%) deaths were due to poisoning, among which 268 (76%) were pesticide-related. Data were collected from autopsy reports, police inquest forms, and emergency records. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Results: Pesticide-related deaths constituted 9.04% of all unnatural deaths (268/2423). Males formed 67.2% of cases, predominantly aged 20–29 years. Most victims were married (67.5%), from rural backgrounds (69.8%), and agriculturists (69.8%). Organophosphorus compounds accounted for 86.2% of cases. Autopsy revealed stomach haemorrhage (93.7%), stomach congestion (96.3%), liver congestion (98.5%), and tubular necrosis (97.8%) as the most prevalent histological changes. A majority (68.6%) of incidences occurred between 12 AM to 6 AM.
Conclusion: Fatal pesticide poisoning primarily affects young adult males from rural agrarian backgrounds, with organophosphorus compounds dominating. Autopsy findings consistently revealed gastrointestinal and hepatic congestion and necrosis. Strengthening pesticide regulation, mental-health support, and rural poison-control services are crucial.
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Swapan K. Adhikari
MBBS, MD Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital, Berhampore, West Bengal, India
Soumya Dey
MBBS, MD Department of Radiation Oncology/Radiotherapy, Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital, Berhampore, West Bengal, India
Pratipjit Mondal
MBBS, MD Senior Resident, Kurseong SDH, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
