Title: Multiorgan Failure due to Paraquat Poisoning: Case Report & Review of Literature
Authors: Dr Adhip Arora, Dr Prabal Rajvanshi, Dr Krishan Kumar Meena, Dr Himanshu Dhiman, Dr Joban Preet Singh, Dr Rashmi Chaudhary, Dr B S Bhati
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v8i1.64
Abstract
Introduction
Paraquat is a broad spectrum liquid herbicide. Structurally, it is a bipyridyl compound (1, r-dimethyl-4, 4’-bipyridium dichloride). It is sprayed on unwanted weeds and other vegetations before planting crops. It is a fast-acting, nonselective compound, which destroys tissues of green plants on contact and by translocation within the plant. Paraquat exerts its herbicidal activity by inhibiting reduction of NADP to NADPH during photosynthesis. This disruption leads to the formation of superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, and hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals. These reactive oxygen species (ROS) interact with the unsaturated lipids of membranes, resulting in the destruction of plant organelles, inevitably leading to cell death[1]. It is produced commercially as a brownish concentrated liquid of the dichloride salt in 20% strength under the trade name of “Weedout” and for horticultural use as brown granules called “Weedol” at about 5% concentration. Even though, paraquat is extensively used in agriculture, few cases have been reported in India. It’s poisoning is associated with very high mortality. We are reporting one case of acute Paraquat poisoning from Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.
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