A study on epidemiological and clinical profile of acute paraqat poisoning and its consequences in tertiary care centre

Paraquat (1, 1' – dimethyl-4, 4'-bipyridinium) was introduced in 1962.  It is a widely used contact herbicide with a good safety record when used properly [1].  It came into disrepute because of accidental or intentional ingestion leading to a high mortality. Paraquat toxicity can produce both local and systemic effects. The major acute effects are the ulceration of skin, lips, tongue, pharynx and esophagus. The acute systemic effects are usually pulmonary edema, cardiac, renal or hepatic failure and convulsions [2]. The main objective of the study is to study the epidemiological and clinical profile of acute paraquat (PQ) poisoning and to determine the outcome in acute paraquat poisoning patients in tertiary care centre in south India. The methodology adopted for this retrospective study describing the demographic characteristics, clinical features and outcomes of paraquat poisoning cases admitted to Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, Karnataka, India, from 1st march 2012 to 31 st march 2013. Medical records of 77 patients were reviewed. A total of 77 cases of acute paraquat poisoning were included in the study, who were admitted in the hospital during our study period. Recovery is 46.75%, mortality is 27.27% and 22% went against medical advice. This study concludes that, paraquat is a widely used weedicide by the farmers in the rural areas in and around the Hassan, suicidal ingestion is more common than occupational exposure in contrast to developed countries.  Patient who has taken <20 ml and reported <6 hours shown better recovery in compared to their counter parts.