Usefulness of Hemoperfusion in Paraquat Poisoning / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Paraquat is a potentially lethal herbicide that induces acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and progressive respiratory failure. This study examined the usefulness of hemoperfusion in paraquat poisoning. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 27 patients who underwent hemoperfusion after paraquat poisoning at Eumseong Keumwang Hospital from January 2009 to January 2010. RESULTS: All 27 paraquat-poisoning patients underwent hemoperfusion therapy within 6 hours of ingestion, and 13 patients survived. Patients who had ingested more than four mouthfuls died with 24 hours despite hemoperfusion. The mean arrival time at the emergency room and the plasma paraquat concentration in the survivors was 3.08 hours and 1.30 microg/mL, respectively; after hemoperfusion, the mean elapsed time was 8.92 hours and the plasma paraquat level was 0.14 microg/mL. The mean arrival time at the emergency room and plasma paraquat concentration in the non-survivors was 2.93 hours and 50.52 microg/mL, respectively; after hemoperfusion, the mean elapsed time was 9.36 hours, and the plasma paraquat level was 40.52 microg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent hemoperfusion therapy is essential for complete recovery from paraquat poisoning in patients who do not have metabolic acidosis or renal failure. However, hemoperfusion is not effective in those who ingested large amount of paraquat or have a urine dithionite of 4+, metabolic acidosis, or acute renal failure.

A Case of Successful Management of Paraquat Poisoning with Severe Pulmonary Fibrosis

Paraquat, a potent herbicide, has caused many fatalities through indiscriminate use and suicides. With ingestion of more than one mouthful of 20% paraquat, death is usually caused by pulmonary fibrosis. We experienced a case of paraquat poisoning with severe pulmonary injury. The patient had swallowed about two mouthfuls of 24% commercial paraquat. Hemoperfusion was done within a few hours after ingestion, and then combination therapy with several antioxidants, steroids, and diuretics was given. Initially, ground glass opacities, consolidation, and irregular lines appeared in the patient's high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). Several months later, lung lesions had improved. The improvement has continued until recently.

Clinical Observation of Paraquat Poisoning

PURPOSE: Paraquat, a globally used herbicide, is highly toxic to human beings. Hence, we reviewed some cases of paraquat poisoning in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and laboratory findings of 50 patients poisoned with paraquat retrospectively. The patients were admitted to the department of internal medicine in the Eumseong KeumWang hospital from January 2008 to December 2008. RESULTS: Among 50 cases of paraquat poisoning, 28 cases were male. Twenty-four cases (48%) were over 60 years old. Fourty-nine patients ingested paraquat on purpose as suicidal attempts, while 1 patient underwent accidental ingestion. Seven patients swallowed less than one mouthful of paraquat, of which 4 patients survived. Eleven patients swallowed two mouthfuls of paraquat, of which 8 patients survived. Thirty-two patients swallowed over three mouthfuls of paraquat and they all died. Thirty-one patients with leukocytosis died. Twenty-one patients with metabolic acidosis died. Increased levels of blood amylase and glucose were related to high mortality, and increased level of blood creatinine was related to severe mortality. Hemoperfusions were accomplished in 27 patients of paraquat poisoning, of which 12 patients survived. CONCLUSION: Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide. When patients arrive at the hospital, laboratory findings, urine paraquat concentrations, arrival time, and the amount of paraquat consumed must be considered for treatment plan.