Case Report: Paraquat poisoning

Abstract

Paraquat (1, 1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium) is a commonly used herbicide that is highly toxic when ingested. 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 Nepal, it is a common herbicide causing both intentional and accidental poisoning. Although there have been numerous anecdotal cases of paraquat poisoning in Nepal, no reports have been published in the literature. . We report a case of a 30-year old female, who developed gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea and odynophagia, renal and liver injury after accidental ingestion of 10ml of 20% paraquat. Symptoms and organ involvement subsided with timely and appropriate supportive management.