Paraquat intoxication: a case report

Abstract

ÖzetZararlı bitkileri öldürmek amacıyla (herbisit) yaygın olarak kullanılan parakuat insanlarda da kazara ya da intihar amaçlı kullanıldığında yüksek oranda morbidite ve mortaliteye neden olmaktadır. İntihar amaçlı yüksek miktarda parakuat alım öyküsü sonrasında başlangıçta asemptomatik olup takiplerinde gastrointestinal, böbrek ve karaciğer etkilenmesi gelişen ve acil serviste takip ve tedavisi yapılan 23 yaşında genç bayan olguyu sunmaktayız. Ciddi parakuat zehirlenmesi olan hastalar alımından sonra asemptomatik olabilir, ancak birkaç saat içinde hızla bozulabilir. Bu nedenle parakuat alımlarında asemptomatik olsa bile hasta karaciğer, böbrek ve akciğer etkileri açısından uzun süre takip edilmelidir. Anahtar kelimeler: Çoklu organ yetmezliği; parakuat; zehirlenme Abstract Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, causes high morbidity and mortality in people when taken accidentally or for suicidal intent. In this study our aim is to present the treatment and follow up of a 23 years old young lady after a history of suicide attempt in the emergency department after taking large amount of paraquat. The patient was initially asymptomatic and in follow up care gastrointestinal, renal and liver toxicity developed. Patients with severe paraquat poisoning may be asymptomatic after ingestion, but may deteriorate rapidly within a few hours. Therefore, in the case of taking high dose paraquat, the patient needs long term follow up for liver, kidney and lung effects even if he is asymptomatic.

A Case: Paraquat (Pesticide) and Skin Involvement

“…So it is stated that washing the affected area, nails and hair with plenty of soapy water in case of contact is effective in treatment [12]. In literature it is observed that paraquat is also used as a poison [5]. Determining the way of exposure in patient anamnesis may give us an idea on whether the exposure was accidental or intentional.…”

“…The main aim of the treatment is decreasing the absorption of paraquat through the skin and making a symptomatic treatment [5].…”

“…Pesticides taken for suicide or by accident can have serious side effects on the body [4]. Paraquat taken in the body mostly orally and transdermal, inhalation and although rarely intravenous way is a dipyhdinium compound which may cause poisoning (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride) [5] [6]. It may have toxic effects which may lead to multi organ deficiency in high doses [7].…”