Frequency of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) among patients presenting with Organophosphate Poisoning at National Poison Control Centre, Karachi: A prospective cross-sectional survey

Background and Objective: Organophosphates poisoning is among the most prevalent forms of intentional and unintentional poisoning in Pakistan. However, the actual burden of AKI secondary to organophosphate poisoning in Pakistani population is still not known. This study aimed to determine the actual burden of AKI among patients admitted at National Poison Control Centre, Karachi.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at National Poison Control Centre, Karachi November, 2013 to April, 2014. A sample of 300 patients of age 18 years and above, presenting with organophosphate poisoning within 24 of exposure or ingestion were included in the study. Frequency of acute kidney injury was calculated using the diagnostic criteria of serum creatinine level of >1.4 mg/dL. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19.

Results: The frequency of AKI which was defined as creatinine level >1.4 mg/dL was 22.3% (n=67). However, there was no statistically significant difference was found in frequency of AKI on the basis of age, sex, amount of organophosphates ingested and BMI. This study found statistically significant differences in the AKI frequency on the basis of lag time. Those who presented earlier after poisoning had relatively low frequency of AKI.

Conclusion: This study concludes that AKI is a common complication among patients presenting with organophosphate poisoning at National Poison Control Center, Karachi. Lag time is a key determinant of AKI among patients with organophosphate poisoning. Timely treatment can prevent this critical complication among patients with organophosphate poisoning