Title: Suicidal Death in Carbolic Acid Poisoning in Geriatric Age Group- A Rare Case Report
Authors: Alakesh Halder, Niloy Kumar Das, Tapas Sinha, Ashok Kumar Samanta
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i6.140
Abstract
Deaths due to poisoning are not uncommon in India. Cases of carbolic acid poisoning were more frequent in the past than today. Approximately 55% of those reported have terminated fatally. Ingestion of carbolic acid for suicidal purpose is an uncommon mode of poisoning in the Indian subcontinent. Accidental ingestion of carbolic acid by children is common. But uses of carbolic acid for suicidal purpose in geriatric age are rare.
The present case is about a 68 yrs old male, a patient of mental depression with history of several suicidal attempts previously, who was found lying on the floor with unconscious state. He was brought to the hospital and admitted subsequently on 16.08.2013 at 2.30 p.m. Unfortunately the person was died on the same day at 6.30 p.m. History from family members, the neighbours, inquest report, photographs and meticulous post-mortem examination reveals that the person was died due to the effects of carbolic acid poisoning.
Key Words: Suicide, Carbolic acid, mental illness.
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