TITLE:
Wheat Pill (Aluminium Phosphide) Poisoning Mortality Audit: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis
AUTHORS:
Muhammad Owais Fazal, Zafar Ali, Yasir Yaqoob, Ghulam Abbas Tahir
KEYWORDS:
Wheat Pills, Suicidal Poisoning, Aluminium Phosphide
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Epidemiology,
Vol.15 No.4,
November
5,
2025
ABSTRACT: Wheat pill poisoning, particularly from aluminium phosphide (AlP), is a common cause of poisoning in both rural and urban regions. It is often linked to direct absorption of this dangerous substance or consumption of contaminated wheat products. Grain, particularly wheat, is routinely kept with aluminium phosphide, a fumigant, to keep pests at bay and prevent spoiling. Consuming aluminium phosphide releases phosphorus gas, which is exceedingly toxic and can have major systemic effects, such as changes in the respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic systems. At Allied Hospital in Faisalabad, a retrospective analysis was carried out between January 2023 and December 2024. An assessment of the overall number of deaths from wheat tablet poisoning was conducted. The majority of the 102 cases, which had a mean patient age of 28.16 years, included young people. Nearly all (99%) of the cases were the consequence of suicidal attempts, and the majority (58%) were from rural areas. 25% of patients were critically ill at presentation, compared to 67.6% who were conscious. Furthermore, 40% of patients had undetectable blood pressure. Setting: Faisalabad Medical University, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Sampling: Two-year mortality data by wheat tablets were gathered, and 102 patients’ records were located and examined. Results: To reduce mortality, early presentation, the intensity of symptoms at presentation, and prompt management using the most up-to-date methodological approach are necessary.