EVALUATION OF PARAPHENYLENEDIAMINE (KALA PATHAR) POISONING CASES: A PROSPECTIVE HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY AT HYDERABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In Pakistan and other Asian countries, Paraphenylene-diamine (PPD) ingestion is increasingly being used as a means of attempting suicide, according to published reports. This toxic substance can cause severe health complications, including liver damage, kidney failure, muscle breakdown and life-threatening throat swelling, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. The easy availability and affordability of PPD make it a growing concern as a means of deliberate self-harm among adults while 4.16% got referred to other facility. Objectives: The aim was to identify trends and causes specific to the region of medicolegal deaths, which can inform local healthcare policies and practices. This research builds on existing studies that highlight regional variations in medicolegal cases, influenced by factors such as law enforcement, socioeconomic status and cultural norms. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Study place: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad. Study duration: 01 year from July 2023 to June 2024. Method: There were 24 patients diagnosed as kala Pathar poisoning during the study time period with age range of 15-35 yrs. Results: The results of the study showed that the majority of patients were females, accounting for 79.8 % of the cases, while males comprised 20.1%. Most patients were married, making up 75% of the sample, whereas 25% were unmarried. Notably, a significant proportion of patients, 91.66%, belonged to low socio-economic backgrounds, with only 8.34% from middle-income groups, and none from high socio-economic groups. The outcomes showed a mortality rate of 41.66%, a recovery rate of 54.17%, and a referral rate of 4.16% to other facilities. Conclusion: The studied concluded that limiting access to the chemical and improving community life are necessary steps.