PARAQUAT INDUCED ACUTE RENAL FAILURE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Paraquat is most commonly and widely used herbicide. It is highly toxic in nature and with high dose it can cause liver, renal and respiratory failure. We hereby report a case of 20-year-old male with a history of paraquat consumption moreover; he is an alcoholic, smoker and works in a carrot farm which contributes to the easy availability of the poison. The victim had the complaints of stomach pain, throat pain, burning sensation and loss of appetite. The patient was admitted in the Emergency unit and underwent haemodialysis. Laboratory investigations like CBC, RFT and LFT were performed in which serum creatinine and blood urea levels were elevated. In addition to this the patient was provided with a psychological counselling session. The patient developed post paraquat poisoning complication of acute renal failure after getting discharged from a hospital and was admitted to secondary care hospital ICU unit and managed symptomatically for the complaints of generalised fatigue and burning sensation in the oesophagus. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of paraquat poison can reduce the mortality as even small amount of paraquat can lead to fatal outcomes. In present scenario there is no specific antidote to treat paraquat poisoning; hence there is a crucial need to focus on the prevention and management measures. The occurrence of poisoning cases is more among younger population (between 21-30 years) and it may be due to the high stress, depression and economic status. In addition to this, lack of psychological support and ease availability majorly contributes to self-harm.