A Rare Case of Paraquat Poisoning

Dr. Harsh Sureshbhai Prajapati, Dr. Shravansinh Rajput

Abstract: Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide known for its severe health impacts on humans. Ingesting paraquat can cause acute symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and oral ulcers, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and potentially death. A case involving a 23-year-old male with paraquat poisoning highlights the critical need for prompt medical intervention. The patient received initial treatment with gastric lavage and supportive care, including intravenous fluids and antioxidants. Despite severe initial symptoms, the patient recovered well after comprehensive management, including hemodialysis and anti-inflammatory medication. The case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in paraquat poisoning to improve survival rates. Regular follow-up is crucial due to the high mortality rate associated with paraquat exposure, despite the best medical efforts.

Keywords: Paraquat, Paraquat lung, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), reactive oxygen species, multi organ dysfunction, steroids, dialysis