Citation

Wong OF, Fung HT, Kam CW. Hong Kong J. Emerg. Med. 2006; 13(3): 155-160.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Medcom Limited)

DOI

10.1177/102490790601300305

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Paraquat is highly toxic to human and is widely used in agriculture as a contact herbicide. However, it is easily accessible in agricultural product shops. Seven cases of paraquat poisoning were treated in Tuen Mun Hospital from 1998-2005. The mortality (4 out of 7) was very high. One patient died after oral exposure to paraquat despite immunosuppressive and antioxidant therapies. The mechanism of toxicity and potential new therapies of paraquat poisoning are discussed in the article.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; male; Poisoning; aged; mortality; suicide attempt; environmental exposure; case study; paraquat; article; clinical article; stomach lavage; herbicide; steroid; activated carbon; acute kidney failure; agriculture; Herbicides; lung disease; steroid therapy; antioxidant; outcome assessment; Immunosuppression; paraquat poisoning; Free radicals; fuller earth; Pulmonary fibrosis