Profile of Paraquat Poisoning Cases in Ile-Ife, South-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Paraquat is a major herbicide commonly used in the agrarian community. It contains 1,1- dimethyl 4,4-bypyridinium dichloride which is highly toxic to humans. Acute ingestion of paraquat often leads to mortality especially in Low to middle-income countries (LMIC). This study, therefore, reports the profile of paraquat acute poisoning cases at the emergency room of a tertiary teaching hospital in Southwestern Nigeria. Eight (8) cases of acute ingestion of paraquat that presented at the emergency room of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex over 5 years (January 2015 to December 2019) were described based on available data retrieved at the unit and a review of available case files. The demography, reason for poisoning, admission duration, and outcomes were described. The cases included 7 males and 1 female with a history of oral ingestion of paraquat for suicide. Only two cases had complete information retrieved from the hospital case file. They were all below 40 years of age and predominantly males. Four (50%) cases had mortalities, 2 discharged against medical advice, and only 2 (25%) cases were discharged home. The only male that survived acute paraquat poisoning had acute renal insufficiency and edenophagia which were resolved after a few days of admission. He spent a total of 10 days on admission and was subsequently discharged to the psychiatric clinic. The mortality from paraquat poisoning is high with prominent renal complications There is a need to regulate access to paraquat in our environment and to create awareness especially, for residents within the study area about its potential toxicity.