A STUDY ON ASSOCIATION OF SERUM AMYLASE LEVELS IN ASSESSING CLINICAL SEVERITY AND OUTCOME OF ORGANOPHOSPHOROUS POISONING

Dr. D. Sridhar, M.D.*, Dr. P. Srujan, M.D. and Dr. D. Naveen Reddy, M.D.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Poisoning by organophosphosphorous Pesticides has reached epidemic proportions in most parts of the India. There is increased incidence of elevated serum amylase levels after consumption of organophosphorus compounds. Many deaths can be prevented if we assess the severity of poison initially. Aims & Objectives: To estimate serum Amylase levels in acute organophosphorus compound poisoning, to find out its relationship with clinical severity and outcome. Material & Methods: A prospective cross - sectional study with 50 Patients presenting with Organophosphorous poisoning were the study subjects evaluating with clinical history and all relevant investigations as per norms. Results: Of the 40 patients in our study 15 patients (37.5%) had normal serum amylase level, 25patients (62.5%) had elevated serum amylase level. Age and sex of the patients have no significant relationship with the amylase levels and strong correlation between serum amylase levels with respiratory failure with significant p(<0.01). Conclusion: Symptoms like convulsions, Severe secretions, CNS depression, Fasciculations, Respiratory failure correlated very well with increasing severity of serum Amylase levels.

Keywords: OP-organophosphosphorous, PAM-Pralidoxime, serum amylase.