| Theme |
Intoxication of Drugs and Poisons and Blood Purification Therapy (Case Report) |
| Title |
Paraquat poisoning |
| Author |
Keiji Aizawa |
Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author |
Reiko Nishi |
Department of Pharmacy, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author |
Youichi Ozasa |
Department of Emergency, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author |
Souichi Uekihara |
Department of Nephrology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| Author |
Shunichi Hayano |
Department of Nephrology, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium) is widely used as a herbicide. It is occasionally used as a poison to commit suicide. The clinical features of human paraquat poisoning mainly consist of shock, along with renal, liver and lung failure. We previously reported that the mortality rate 48 hours within taking paraquat was over 50%. This evidence suggests that it is difficult to save these patients. Treatment for paraquat poisoning consists of gastric and intestinal lavage, HA (hemoadsorption), steroidal administration and urination. Intestinal lavage and HA are the most effective methods to eliminate paraquat from the body. We initiate treatment to eliminant paraquat with HA when there is evidence of significant quantities of paraquat in the urine. |