Publication: Paraquat Toxicity Leading to Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report in an Adult Patient
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Paraquat poisoning poses a significant and emerging public health challenge in developing countries. The distribution and usage of Paraquat, a potent herbicide, remain unrestricted in many regions despite its high fatality rate and absence of a specific antidote. Paraquat mostly involves lungs but can also involve the kidneys and liver. Diagnostic challenges and a lack of available samples at presentation contribute to underreporting and limited awareness among healthcare providers, making paraquat poisoning a neglected toxicological emergency. Herein, we present a case of a 40-year-old male who presented to the emergency department on the fourth day after ingesting paraquat in a suicidal attempt. Upon presentation, he had erosion on the tongue and posterior pharyngeal wall, along with deranged renal function tests and elevated serum creatinine levels. The patient developed acute kidney injury, with serum creatinine levels rapidly rising from normal to 3.85 mg/dl, accompanied by a decrease in daily urine output. He was managed conservatively, and his hospital stay was uneventful.
Description
Newton Ashish Shah
Maharajgunj Medical Campus Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Manish Yadav
Maharajgunj Medical Campus Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
Rupesh Sah
Universal College of Medical Sciences, Ranigaon, Bhairahawa, Nepal
Bibek Rajbhandari
Department of Emergency Medicine, Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal