Toxicological evaluation of chronic oral administration of Justicia schimperiana (Hochst. ex Nees) T. Anderson leaf 80% methanolic extract in Wistar albino rats.

Background: Justicia schimperiana has been widely used for the treatment of various human ailments without scientific proof for chronic toxicity. Thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the chronic toxicity of 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in rats. Methods: An 80% crude methanolic extract of the plant leaves was orally administered to Wistar albino rats for 6 months. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's guideline number 452. Twenty rats per group and sex were randomly assigned to three treatment groups and a control group. Daily doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract diluted with distilled water were administered orally to the rats. Rats in the control group received distilled water orally. Weekly body weight and daily food intake were measured. At the end, rats were sacrificed for histopathological, biochemical and hematological tests. The statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Six months daily oral administration of the plant extract did not significantly affect the rats' food consumption, organ weight, and histopathology. Rats treated with 1000 mg/kg extract, however, significantly increased liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), and kidney function tests (creatinine and urea). Additionally, the high dose extract administered rats showed significantly lower red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit compared to the control group. Conclusion: Six months oral administration in Wistar albino rats in this experiment indicated that Justicia schimperiana is relatively safe at lower and medium doses. However, increased liver enzymes, increased kidney function tests and decreased red blood cell indices was observed in rats treated at higher doses. To obtain a thorough understanding of the plant's toxicity profile, it is advised that future studies be conducted on teratogenicity and reproductive toxicity.

Liver Cirrhosis of Unknown Etiology and Its Predictors in Eastern Ethiopia.

Background: The global burden of liver cirrhosis is increasing, with 2.1 million incident cases and nearly 1.5 million deaths in 2019. Despite the enormous progress in our understanding of the etiology of liver cirrhosis, significant cases of the disease have been reported in Eastern Ethiopia due to unidentified causes. Hence, this study aimed to identify predictors of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A score of 7 out of 11 possible points on the ultrasound-based cirrhosis scale was used as a diagnostic criterion to include 127 liver cirrhosis patients. The study participants' demographic, dietary, lifestyle, and clinical data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and standardized reporting forms. The associations between the outcome (known and unknown etiology) and independent variables were modeled using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The etiology of liver cirrhosis was known in only 23% of patients and attributed to hepatitis B virus (21%), hepatitis C virus (0.8%), and alcohol abuse (0.8%). Sorghum consumption as a staple food (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =3.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.5), splenomegaly (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 14.4), and a family history of liver disease (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.91) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. Conclusion: Sorghum consumption was found to be the determinant factor of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology, suggesting it as a possible source of exposure to aflatoxin B1.

Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Extract of Justicia schimperiana Leaf in Wistar Albino Rats.

Purpose: This study evaluates the acute and sub-acute toxicity of 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in Wistar albino rat models. Methods: Dried powdered leaves of Justicia schimperiana were macerated in 80% methanol. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 423 for acute and 407 for sub-acute toxicity testing. A single dose of 5000 mg/kg extract was orally administered to three female rats for the acute toxicity study. The plant extract was administered orally for 28 days in daily dosages of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for the sub-acute study. Animals in a control group were given distilled water. A total of 40 rats (5 rats/group/sex) were used for the sub-acute toxicity testing. Daily food intake and weekly body weight measurements were done. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 28-day treatment period for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological tests. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for the analysis. Results: The single-dose oral administration of the plant resulted in no deaths or serious morbidity. The median lethal dose was >5000 mg/kg. The 28-day oral treatment of the plant extract had no significant effect on general behavior, food intake, organ weight, biochemical parameters, or the majority of the hematological markers, with the exception of the decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the 1000 mg/kg extract-treated groups compared to the controls. Both sexes experienced significant weight increases at all dosage levels. With the exception of minor alterations in a few of the organs, no significant histological change was identified. Conclusion: It is concluded that the single-dose and repeated-dose 28-day oral administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Justicia schimperiana is relatively safe.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of 80% Methanol Stem-Bark Extract and Solvent Fractions of Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Mice.

Purpose: Prunus africana is a well-known plant that is used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds and other ailments, although there is no scientific evidence to back up the claims of its wound-healing properties. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the wound-healing potential of P. africana bark extract in mice. Methods: The bark of the plant was extracted by successive maceration using 80% methanol and then fractionated with aqueous, n-butanol, and chloroform. The crude extract and solvent fractions were formulated as an ointment. Wound healing activity was evaluated using excision and incision wound models. Total phenol, flavonoid, and alkaloid contents of the crude extract, aqueous, and n- butanol fractions of the plant were determined. Results: In both models, mice treated with 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) crude extract ointment exhibited a significant (p < 0.001) wound healing activity compared with control as evidenced by the increased rate of wound contraction and hydroxyproline content, the reduced epithelialization time, and the higher skin breaking strength. Mice treated with aqueous fraction ointment exhibited a high percentage of wound healing effect among all solvent fractions. The aqueous fraction consisted of higher phenolic (49.71 ± 0.73 mg/g) and flavonoid (39.58 ± 0.27 mg/g) content, while alkaloid (3.89 ± 0.55 mg/g) content was the lowest. Conclusion: Prunus africana stem bark extract demonstrated wound healing activity in mice model which supports the acclaimed use by Ethiopian traditional medicine.

Evaluating the Frequencies of CNOT3, GRIA1, NFATC2, and PNPLA3 Variant Alleles and Their Association with L-Asparaginase Hypersensitivity in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: L-asparaginase is a vital component for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, hypersensitivity reactions and hepatotoxicity hinder its anti-neoplastic efficacy. Previous reports indicated that genetic variants in CNOT3, GRIA1, and NFATC2 genes might be associated with hypersensitivity reactions and PNPLA3 with liver function. Objective: In this study, it was investigated whether this association also exists in a pediatric ALL cohort from Ethiopia. Methods: Three variants GRIA1 rs4958351, CNOT3 rs73062673, and NFATC2 rs6021191 were genotyped in a cohort of 160 patients. Association analysis to investigate the association with hypersensitivity reactions was performed using logistic regression analyses. Besides these variants, a variant in PNPLA3 (rs738409) was genotyped to assess the association with liver function. Results: Genotype frequencies of GRIA1 rs4958351, CNOT3 rs73062673, and NFATC2 rs6021191 were higher/lower than previously reported. One hundred and forty-four patients were included in the association analysis of which, 18 (12.5%) developed L-ASP hypersensitivity. Though the frequency of hypersensitivity was higher in patients that carried the risk alleles of the three investigated genes, no statistically significant differences were observed. Association analysis between PNPLA3 rs738409 and liver function could not be investigated due to a lack of clinical information. Conclusion: In conclusion, none of the tested genes did predict L-asparaginase hypersensitivity in an Ethiopian pediatric ALL patients.

Incidence and determinants of hematotoxicity in acute lymphoblastic leukemia children who received 6-mercaptopurine based maintenance therapy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: The maintenance phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment is the final and longest stage of treatment, mainly focused on antimetabolite therapy. This phase is essential to eliminate residual leukemic clones and prevent relapse. However, dose-limiting hematotoxicity is a major problem during this phase resulting in dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. OBJECTIVE: In this cohort study, the clinical features and risk factors of hematological toxicity during the maintenance phase of treatment were analyzed in pediatric patients from Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 160 patients from Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital were included in the study of which 142 had sufficient data available for analysis. Patient characteristics as well as information about the care-givers, sides-effects as reported by the care-givers and clinical factors were collected. Bivariable followed by multivariable analysis was performed to investigate which factors were associated with hematological toxicity during the maintenance phase. RESULTS: During the first six months of maintenance phase treatment grade 4 neutropenia was detected in 52.8% of the patients. The risk of developing grade 4 neutropenia was increased by about two fold in children with the age of 6 years and less compared to those with the age of more than 6 years. Similarly, the rate of developing grade 4 neutropenia among children with less than 4,500 maintenance day 1 white blood cell counts was significantly higher than that of children with normal maintenance day 1 white blood cell counts (AHR 2.477, 95% CI = 1.461-4.200, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, child's age and day 1 maintenance white blood cell/absolute neutrophil counts significantly affected the occurrence of grade 4 hematotoxicity. Close monitoring for white blood cell and absolute neutrophil counts during maintenance phase treatment is recommended for early diagnosis of hematotoxicity.

Genetic variants of genes involved in thiopurine metabolism pathway are associated with 6-mercaptopurine toxicity in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients from Ethiopia.

Introduction: Genetic variation in the thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) gene by and large predicts variability in 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) related toxicities. However, some individuals without genetic variants in TPMT still develop toxicity that necessitates 6-MP dose reduction or interruption. Genetic variants of other genes in the thiopurine pathway have been linked to 6-MP related toxicities previously. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic variants in ITPA, TPMT, NUDT15, XDH, and ABCB1 on 6-MP related toxicities in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) from Ethiopia. Methods: Genotyping of ITPA, and XDH was performed using KASP genotyping assay, while that of TPMT, NUDT15, and ABCB1 with TaqMan® SNP genotyping assays. Clinical profile of the patients was collected for the first 6 months of the maintenance phase treatment. The primary outcome was the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia. Bivariable followed by multivariable cox regression analysis was performed to identify genetic variants associated with the development of grade 4 neutropenia within the first 6 months of maintenance treatment. Results: In this study, genetic variants in XDH and ITPA were associated with 6-MP related grade 4 neutropenia and neutropenic fever, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients who are homozygous (CC) for XDH rs2281547 were 2.956 times (AHR 2.956, 95% CI = 1.494-5.849, p = 0.002) more likely to develop grade 4 neutropenia than those with the TT genotype. Conclusion: In conclusion, in this cohort, XDH rs2281547 was identified as a genetic risk factor for grade 4 hematologic toxicities in ALL patients treated with 6-MP. Genetic polymorphisms in enzymes other than TPMT involved in the 6-mercaptopurine pathway should be considered during its use to avoid hematological toxicity.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Wound Healing Properties of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. (Asteraceae).

Background: The leaves of Vernonia auriculifera (Asteraceae) have traditionally been used to treat wounds in several regions of Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to assess the wound healing properties of the leaf extract and solvent fractions of V. auriculifera in mice. The leaf extract and solvent fractions of V. auriculifera have also been evaluated for their anti-oxidant properties because of their impact on the wound healing process. Material and Methods: Air-dried leaves were extracted using 80% methanol. They were also successively fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The residue was then macerated in water for 72 hr. Simple ointment bases were formulated according to British Pharmacopoeia. Thereafter, two types of ointment formulations, 2.5% w/w and 5% w/w, were formulated. Wound healing and acute dermal toxicity studies were performed on mice. To assess free radical scavenging activity, a 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) assay was performed. Results: In both models, wounds treated with 2.5% and 5% (w/w) of the ME, the aqueous fraction (AQF), methanol fraction (MEF), and ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) ointments demonstrated significant wound healing activity, as shown by enhanced wound contraction, a shortened epithelialization time, increased hydroxyproline content, and enhanced tissue breaking strength. The extract and solvent fractions displayed free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 1.2 mg/mL, 1.46 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, and 2.83 mg/mL for ME, AQF, MEF, and EAF, respectively, as compared to 1.42 mg/mL for ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The result of this study indicates that 80% of methanol extract and solvent fractions are endowed with wound healing activity. Additionally, this study has also revealed that ME, AQF, MEF, and EAF have the capacity to scavenge free radicals. The study indicated that the wound healing effect could be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. (Asteraceae).

Background: The leaves of V. auriculifera has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, and pain in various parts of Ethiopia. However, to our knowledge, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract and solvent fractions has never been experimentally studied. Objective: To assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of V. auriculifera leaf extract and solvent fractions in rodent models. Material and methods: Air-dried leaves of V. auriculifera were grounded and macerated using 80% methanol. The air-dried, grounded leaves were also successively extracted with ethyl acetate, and methanol. The residue was then macerated in water for 72 hr. The extract's peripheral analgesic activity, as well as the solvent fractions, were determined using an acetic acid-induced writhing test. The hot plate model was used to assess the central analgesic effect. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect in rats. Results: The 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions have demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) peripheral and central analgesic activity. Both 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions of V. auriculifera were found to have anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. In the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, all concentrations of 80% methanol leaf extract (ME), methanol fraction (MEF), and aqueous fractions (AQF) of V. auriculifera inhibited exudate and granuloma formation. Although all tested doses significantly inhibited granuloma mass formation, only the medium and highest ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) doses significantly inhibited the generation of inflammatory exudate. Conclusion: This study's findings indicate that the solvent fractions and 80% methanol extract of V. auriculifera have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study's findings not only confirm the plants' traditional claim but also provide clues for further investigation of the active principles of this plant for the development of effective and safe analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

In vitro and in vivo anti-seizure activity of hydromethanolic extract and fractions of Pterolobium stellatum.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Ethiopia, the whole plant juice of Pterolobium stellatum is used to treat seizures and epilepsy. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the antiseizure activity of hydromethanolic crude extract and fractions collected from leaves of P. stellatum using both in vitro, and in vivo seizure models in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh leaves of P. stellatum were collected from Awash Melka, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An 80% crude methanol extract was further fractionated to produce petroleum ether, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous fractions. Anti-seizure activity of the crude extract and fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, butanol, and water) were assessed at a concentration of 0.7 mg/ml using the in vitro 0 Mg2+ model of seizures in mouse brain slices prepared from 14- to 21-day-old C57BL/6 mice. The maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model and the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure model for seizures were performed on male BALB/c mice using 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of crude 80% methanol extract, as well as the four fractions described above. Diazepam and phenytoin were used as positive controls for PTZ and MES test respectively. RESULTS: Addition of 0.7 mg/ml of crude 80% methanol extract of P. stellatum prevented the onset of SLEs in most brain slices in the 0 Mg2+in vitro model of seizures, with similar efficacy to diazepam (3 µM). The same extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg was efficacious in reducing the hindlimb extension time in the MES model and delaying the onset of myoclonic convulsions in the PTZ model, although not to the same extent as phenytoin (10 mg/kg) or diazepam (5 mg/kg). The chloroform and water fractions of the crude extract also showed significant anti-seizure activity across all three models whilst the non-polar petroleum ether and butanol fractions did not. The UPLC-MS analysis indicated the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, kaempferol, myricitrin, isoquercitrin and quercitirin in the crude extract. Gallic acid and ellagic acid were observed in chloroform fraction and in the water fraction ellagic acid, kaempferol, myricitrin and isoquercitrin were detected. CONCLUSION: The crude hydromethanolic extract of P. stellatum has significant anti-seizure activity. The chloroform and aqueous fractions have antiseizure activity. The extracts have previously identified compounds with anticonvulsant activity which indicates the antiseizure potential of the plant.

Asymptomatic Bacteriuria, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Assosa General Hospital, Western Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is a common problem in pregnant women and about 40% of women with untreated asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy develop pyelonephritis, which might lead to low birth weight, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labour. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the isolates among pregnant women attending the antenatal care of Assosa general hospital, western Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2019. Two hundred and eighty-three pregnant women with no symptoms of urinary tract infections participated in the study. Bacterial isolates were identified as per the standard bacteriological procedure using colony characteristics, Gram-staining, and series of biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was carried out by Kirby- Bauer disk diffusion technique on Muller-Hinton agar medium and the diameter of zone of inhibition was interpreted according to Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in this study was 13.78% (i.e. 39 out of 283 urine samples were positive for bacterial isolates). E. coli was the most predominant isolate (53.8%) followed by K. pneumoniae (17.95%), S. aureus (15.4%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (12.8%). Gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to tetracycline (96.4%), and ampicillin (90.5%). CONCLUSION: Significant bacteriuria was observed in asymptomatic pregnant women. A large number of the bacterial isolates were resistant to the commonly used antimicrobial drugs.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activity of 80% Methanol Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina Delile (Asteraceae) Leaves in Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Diarrhea is a cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in children. Patients with diarrhea have been suffering from limited treatment options due to poor drug tolerance, side effect, and multi-drug resistance to almost all the current drug treatments. Therefore, it is important to search for a new therapeutic medicine that can effectively prevent the disease and safe. Vernonia amygdalina is an indigenous medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of diarrhea in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was therefore to confirm the antidiarrheal activities of 80% methanol leaves extract using mice models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antidiarrheal activities of the 80% methanol leaves extract were investigated using castor oil-induced diarrhea, intestinal motility, and enteropooling models in mice. The negative control received distilled water orally, the test groups received three dose levels (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the plant materials, and the positive control is given 3 mg/kg Loperamide orally. RESULTS: In the castor oil-induced diarrheal model, the extract delayed onset of diarrhea and reduced fecal parameters at all tested doses significantly as compared with the negative control. Results from the charcoal meal test revealed that the extract produced a significant anti-motility effect at all tested doses as compared with the negative control. In the enteropooling test, the extract produced a significant decline in the volume and weight of intestinal contents. The observed antidiarrheal activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. It was also observed that the extracts have shown no acute toxicity at a dose of 2 g/kg. CONCLUSION: This study provides the antidiarrheal activity of the crude extract in all three models. Hence, the findings provide scientific support for the traditional use of Vernonia amygdalina leaves as treatment of diarrhea.

In vivo Antidiabetic Activity Evaluation of Aqueous and 80% Methanolic Extracts of Leaves of Thymus schimperi (Lamiaceae) in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus disorder characterized by increase in serum glucose level as a result of change in fat, protein metabolism, and carbohydrate. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Thymus. schimperi on blood glucose levels. METHODS: The aqueous and 80% methanol extracts of T. schimperi leaves were prepared. Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 20-30 g were selected for the experiments. Mice that were made diabetic were divided into seven groups to study the antihyperglycemic effect of the extracts. Diabetes was induced by single intraperitonial injection of alloxan monohydrate (180 mg/kg body weight). RESULTS: After diabetic mice were treated with an extract of solvent at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 21 days, there were significant decreases in fasting blood glucose when compared to diabetic controls. The observed antidiabetic activity could be associated with the phytochemicals present in this plant extract. The extract of solvent also prevented body weight loss of diabetic when compared to diabetic mice group. It was also observed that the extracts have shown no acute toxicity at a dose of 2 g/kg. CONCLUSION: The aqueous and 80% methanol extracts of T. schimperi leaves have shown blood glucose level lowering effects in diabetic mice. Hence, the present study might support the traditional use of T. schimperi for diabetes mellitus treatment.

Assessment of the dispensing practices of drug retail outlets in selected towns, north west Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: Ethical dispensing of drugs and medicinal products is an integral component of rational drug therapy. Nevertheless, this essential health issue apparently has a large commercial aspect. This study was conducted to assess the dispensing practices of pharmacies and rural drug vendor shops in selected towns of northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, all private pharmacies (totally 3) and rural drug vendor shops (totally 9) were included in the study. The dispensing activities, condition of the dispensing environment, dispensed drugs and other relevant information were recorded on a structured protocol. In total, the dispensing procedures for 74 clients in pharmacies and 194 clients in rural drug vendor shops were observed (each premise was visited only once). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that all premises possessed clean dispensing environment. The average dispensing time was 1,86 minutes in Pharmacies and 1.7 minutes in rural drug vendor shops. The dispensing of prescription-only medications without a medical prescription was higher in rural drug vendor shops (68.8%) than in Pharmacies (7.3%). The provision of verbal (about 87%) and written (about 66%) instructions was similar in both pharmacies and rural drug vendor shops. CONCLUSION: The dispensing environment and storage conditions are satisfactory. However, the dispensing of prescription-only-medications without medical prescription was more frequent particularly in rural drug vendor shops. The provision of drug-related information especially labeling of the dispensed medications was not satisfactory in both types of drug retail outlets. Implementation of training programs and supervisory visits are recommended for the improvement of dispensing practices and application of code of Ethics.

The pattern of acute poisoning in a teaching hospital, north-west Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: Poisoning by means of hazardous chemicals through ignorance, mishap or intentionally is becoming a serious health problem worldwide. Epidemiological data on this important health issue are, however, scarce in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study is to assess the pattern of acute poisonings and determine the approaches employed for the management of poisoning. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients with acute poisonings presented to the Gondar University hospital between July 2001 and June 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients presenting to the emergency department of the hospital were due to acute poisoning; accounting for about 0.45% of emergency room admissions. Organophosphates, rat poison and alcohol were the commonly encountered poisoning agents (in about 70% of cases) mainly in adults possibly with suicidal or para-suicidal intention. The approaches employed in the management of poisoning mainly involved gastrointestinal decontamination procedures. Specific antidotes were used in a substantial number of patients. The fatality rate was 2.4%. CONCLUSION: Poisoning with suicidal intention is becoming a serious health problem particularly in adults. Pesticides are commonly used toxicants. The approaches in the management of poisoning are justifiable in some cases. However, much is to be done to improve the recording of patient-related information and record-keeping processes. Further large scale studies are required to investigate national trends of poisoning and factors associated with poisoning.