Paraquat as a cause of self-poisoning in South Trinidad: 1972 - 1982 - abstract

ABSTRACT

In 1974 we reported four (4) deaths from Paraquat poisoning in South Trinidad. The present study is an analysis of self-poisoning during a 16 month period from June 1981 to September 1982. Four hundred and thirty-five (435) cases of self poisoning were admitted to the San Fernando General Hospital during the period. Thirty-two (32) patients ingested "Tablets", -9 percent Paraquat, less than 1 percent organophosphorus insecticide and 58 percent a miscellaneous group of compounds. Admissions for self-poisoning have increased by 51 percent during the last 10 years. Paraquat poisoning which accounted for 1.3 percent in 1972 now accounts for 8.6 percent. Organophosphorus poisoning has decreased from 3.5 percent in 1972 to less than 1 percent in 1982. "Tablets" were the commonest ingested substance, both in 1972 (42 percent) and 1982 (32 percent). The morbidity and mortality from Paraquat continue to be high. Absorbents (Charcoal and Fuller's Earth), gastric lavage, whole gut lavage, and peritoneal dialysis were used in the treatment. In spite of intensive treatment mortality remains high (75 percent). The survivors usually ingested a small quantity and were treated aggressively. Deaths from self-poisoning in South Trinidad increased from 26 in 1972 to 57 in 1982. Of the 57 deaths at least 37 patients ingested Paraquat as compared to only 4 in 1972. Deaths from Paraquat poisoning were commonest among East Indian females living in rural areas. Our study highlights the increasing importance of Paraquat poisoning as a method of self-poisoning in Trinidad (AU)