Abstract

Introduction: Paraquat (PQ, 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium) is a commonly used herbicide in India. PQ induces multi-organ failure involving lung, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, kidney, liver, heart, and brain injury. Case fatality is between 40–60% and death usually occurs within 24–72 hours of ingestion in severe poisoning. Hence, this study was undertaken to study the clinical features and outcome following PQ poisoning. To understand various predictors of outcome and severity in relation to SOFA score. Methodology: A prospective observational study was done in 50 patients of either sex admitted to a tertiary care with history of paraquat poisoning for a period of 2 years after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance and patients informed consent. Detailed General Physical and Systemic Examination is carried out. All the patients who were hospitalized underwent the following tests: renal function test, liver function test, prothrombin time, arterial blood gas analysis, chest X-ray. Severity of poisoning is then assessed in relation to SOFA scores and other lab data. Data analysed using SPSS version 22 with P<0.05 considered as statistically significant.

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