PARAQUAT POISONING: A CASE REPORT

Dr. Vedant N. Suthar*, Dr. Raj P. Makwana, Dr. Arpit V. Gamit, Dr. Subhashchandra K. Gadhavicharan, Dr. U. S. Gediya

ABSTRACT

Paraquat (1, 1’ dimethyl 4, 4’ dipyridylium) is a highly toxic chemical herbicide or week killer. It is one of the most common herbicides used today, but it can cause fatal poisoning when ingested or inhaled. It is often difficult to diagnose in the face of nonspecific clinical features. Although it is freely available Herbicide, few cases have been reported from India. Ingestion of toxic doses of Paraquat has serious complications on the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver, and other organs. Due to its inherent toxicity and the lack of a specific antidote, it has a high case fatality rate. Despite being restricted to commercially licensed users in India, it is a common herbicide causing both intentional and accidental poisoning. However, the prognosis is poor for acute poisoning or high doses of Paraquat. Since, there is currently no effective treatment for Paraquat poisoning, preventative efforts must be prioritized. We have reported a case of fatal ParaquatPoisoning at C.U.Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar. This case report details the clinical presentation, management strategies, and outcomes of a patient with Paraquat poisoning. Paraquat poisoning remains a significant clinical challenge with high mortality rates. This case report emphasizes the importance of early recognition, aggressive decontamination, and advanced supportive care in managing Paraquat toxicity. Further research is imperative to explore novel treatment strategies and improve outcomes in cases of severe Paraquat poisoning.

Keywords: Paraquat poisoning, chemical herbicide, acute lung injury, steroids, intentional ingestion, Surendranagar.