Predictive Factors Influencing Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Thrombocytopenia Following Pesticide Poisoning: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: Acute pesticide poisoning, particularly from suicide attempts or accidental exposure, is a growing issue, especially in developing countries. This study explores predictive factors for the Length of Stay (LOS) in patients with pesticide-induced thrombocytopenia. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Khorshid Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. It included patients aged 18 or older admitted between 2020 and 2021 with acute pesticide intoxication who experienced thrombocytopenia upon admission or during hospitalization, excluding those with significant pre-existing hematological conditions or a history anti-platelet medication. Data was collected on demographics, toxicological features, clinical and laboratory findings, and LOS. Data were extracted from patients’ clinical records. Results: Among the 240 patients studied, the average age was 36.3 years, with a majority being male. Most patients had an LOS of over 72 hours. Significant factors of longer LOS included the type of pesticide (with herbicides and fungicides associated with extended stays), higher white blood cell counts, and lower magnesium levels. There was no significant association between LOS and clinical outcomes. Multivariable linear regression revealed that benzodiazepine administration, and magnesium were associated with reductions in LOS and ICU admission, endotracheal intubation was associated with a longer length of stay (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that targeted treatment with benzodiazepine may reduce hospital LOS. Additionally, monitoring of laboratory data such as WBC and magnesium level could also influence LOS. Future multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to further evaluate the predictive factors of LOS in these patients. © 2026, Journal of Iranian Medical Council.