PARAQUAT POISONING: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, CLINICAL SPECTRUM, AND CURRENT MANAGEMENT APPROACHES
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Keywords
Paraquat poisoning; Pulmonary fibrosis; Oxidative stress; Hemoperfusion; ECMO
Abstract
Paraquat poisoning remains a life-threatening emergency, often leading to respiratory failure due to pulmonary fibrosis. We present a case of an 18-year-old pregnant woman who ingested paraquat and developed progressive respiratory distress despite intensive therapy. Paraquat induces oxidative stress and fibrosis, with management centered on early decontamination, antioxidant therapy, and immunosuppression. Novel treatments such as edaravone and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may improve organ protection and allow oxygen-sparing ventilation, though survival remains poor. Prevention through strict regulation and awareness continues to be the most effective strategy against paraquat-related mortality.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr. Aditya Sulakhe
Medicine Resident at Department of Medicine, MGM Medical College, Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India.
Dr. Mahesh Shinde
Lecturer at Department of Medicine, MGM Medical College, Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India.
