PARAPHENYLENE DIAMINE (PPD) POISONING: PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES AT LIAQUAT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HYDERABAD, PAKISTAN.

Paraphenylene-diamine is a coloring dye but a toxic chemical at the same time with its use as a tool for suicide being cheaper and easy availability as reported by many countries in recent past.  This agent affects liver, kidney, heart, lungs and muscles and ultimately death if left unmanaged. Current research on 24 Patients presenting as poisoning cases at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad, Pakistan found 70.83%(17) female and 29.17%(6) male gender involved in poisoning  more in married subjects 75%(18) as compared to unmarried 25%(6) in low socio-economic people 91.66%(22). All cases were suicidal in nature presenting with Hemodynamic Shock (4.17%), Anuria 50%, Oliguria (54.17%), pain in throat (87%), Rhabdomyolysis (95%) and Dark urine (100%). Tcheostomy performed 29.17% (7) and 70.83 % (17) were provided ventilatory support despite of that only 58.33% (14) could be revived leaving a mortality rate to 41.66% (10). Hospital stay duration was from1-8days depending on the severity of condition.

Conclusion: This poisoning is becoming more common in younger age, married and poor females with high mortality so the easy availability of this toxic agent should be restriction.

Key Words: Poisoning, Paraphenylene-diamine (PPD), Tracheostomy, Suicide.