Rahul Pusa, Post Graduate Resident, Department of Emergency Medicine, A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,, India
Manisha B. Vyas Professor & Head, Department Emergency Medicine, A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., India
Address for correspondence: Rahul Pusa,, Post Graduate Resident, Department of Emergency Medicine, A.C.S. Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,, India E-mail: didorahul@rocketmail.com
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Pusa R, Vyas MB. Observational Study of Xenobiotics in an Urban Hospital, Chennai: Challenges and Outcomes. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025;11(4):221-6.
Timeline
Received : June 09, 2025
Accepted : July 10, 2025
Published : December 30, 2025
Abstract
Background: Poisoning is a significant cause of emergency visits worldwide. This study focuses on clinical presentations, management, and outcomes of acute poisonings in an urban hospital in Chennai. Aim: To examine trends and challenges in urban poisoning cases. Objectives: To analyze the profile of poisoning agents, patient demographics, clinical management, and outcomes. Material and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from May to June 2024 at a tertiary hospital in Chennai. 36 patients were included based
on emergency department records. Results: Most cases (68%) were discharged on request after ED stabilization.
Common agents included paracetamol, sedatives, rodenticide, and mosquito repellents. One patient required intubation. Intentional poisoning was predominant (75%). Conclusion: Urban poisonings often involve household chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Early stabilization improves outcomes, but discharge on request poses a major challenge.
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Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest.
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Cite this article
Pusa R, Vyas MB. Observational Study of Xenobiotics in an Urban Hospital, Chennai: Challenges and Outcomes. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025;11(4):221-6.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.