Electrocardiographic Alterations in Organophosphorus Poisoning: A Comparative Study among Addicted and Non-Addicted Males in Hyderabad

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of organophosphorus (OP) compound poisoning on electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and to compare these alterations between non-addicted and addicted male individuals. Methodology: A case-control comparative study was conducted over a period of six months (01-07-2024 to 31-01-2025) in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. Ethical approval was obtained from the Department of Physiology and Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. A total of 250 participants were selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9. Results: Among non-addicted individuals with OP poisoning, 54.17% exhibited normal ECG findings, whereas 45.83% showed abnormalities. In contrast, only 33.33% of addicted individuals had normal ECGs, while 66.67% displayed abnormal changes. In the benzodiazepine plus OP poisoning subgroup, merely 30% showed normal ECGs, with 70% demonstrating abnormal findings. The observed differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0068). Conclusion: Organophosphorus poisoning results in significant electrocardiographic abnormalities, which are further exacerbated in individuals with a history of substance addiction—particularly alcohol and benzodiazepines. The findings underscore the compounding effect of addiction on OP-induced cardiotoxicity and hematological alterations.