Outcome of Rodenticide Poisoning and Its Determinants Among Adult Patients in India: A Five-Year Retrospective Study (2020–2024)

Abstract

Background:

 Rodenticide poisoning remains a major contributor to pesticide-related morbidity and mortality in India, particularly in the context of deliberate self-harm. Highly toxic compounds such as aluminum phosphide, zinc phosphide, and yellow phosphorus are widely accessible and associated with severe systemic toxicity and high case fatality rates.

Objectives:

 To assess clinical outcomes and identify determinants of mortality among adult patients admitted with rodenticide poisoning in a tertiary care setting in India.

Methods:

 A retrospective analytical study was conducted among 174 adult patients admitted with confirmed rodenticide poisoning between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were extracted from hospital records using a structured format. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of mortality.

Results:

 Most patients were aged 18–30 years (62.1%), with a slight male predominance (52.9%). Suicidal ingestion accounted for 86.2% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 37.9%. Independent predictors of mortality included suicidal poisoning (AOR=9.42), tachycardia (AOR=6.15), hypotension (AOR=5.82), and delayed hospital presentation (>2 hours) (AOR=4.21).

Conclusion:

 Rodenticide poisoning continues to be associated with high mortality in India. Early recognition of high-risk clinical features and prompt management are essential to improve outcomes.