PARAQUAT- A DEADLY POISON :REPORT OF A CASE AND REVIEW

Abstract

Paraquat is one of the most dangerous poisons in the medical eld as Ingestion of small quantities (>10mL) may damage lung irreversibly and also lead to renal failure causing to death. The paraquat is sold in more than 130 countries around the world to be used in small as well as large farms. The easy availability of this poison makes it a commonly employed agent for suicide. More than 93% of deaths due to paraquat poisoning are suicidal in nature and most of them are occurring in developing countries. The clinical features vary from case to case based on the amount and type of compound consumed. As it is a fatal condition, early diagnosis and proper management is warranted which can reduce the morbidity and mortalities. But sometimes early diagnosis may not save the victim as in our case. We present a case wherein the victim succumbed to acute respiratory distress following consumption of paraquat.