1. Paraquat Intoxication – experience of an Internal Medicine ward for 18 years
- Author
-
Simões, M, Alves, P, Esperto, H, Canha, C, Meira, E, Ferreira, E, Gomes, M, and Nascimento-Costa, JM
- Subjects
Intoxicação ,Paraquato - Abstract
Introduction: Paraquat is a contact herbicide commercially available since 1962. Paraquat intoxication (PI) is usually voluntary and highly lethal, since there is no effective antidote. Toxicity occurs through cyclic redox reactions, damaging mainly the kidneys and lungs. Aim, material and methods: featuring the clinical presentation, management and outcome of patients with PI over an 18 years period (from the 01st January 1993 to the 31st December 2010) through the retrospective analysis of clinical files and comparing the survivors and the deceased. Results: Thirty-one cases of Paraquat intoxication were included, with a male: female ratio 1:1. Age range from 13 to 80 years, mean age 42.4years (±18.7).All intoxications were voluntary and by oral route. There was statistical difference in the amount ingested (22.1 mL vs. 72.7 mL, p
- Published
- 2012