[Acute pulmonary fibrosis associated with Paraquat poisoning. Report of one case]

Rev Med Chil. 2018 Jul;146(7):938-941. doi: 10.4067/s0034-98872018000700938.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Paraquat, a non-selective bipyridyl pesticide, is one of the leading causes of death from intoxication in many parts of Asia and America. It is the second most sold herbicide worldwide, being widely used in Chile. Its ingestion generates toxicity due to the release of superoxide radicals, mainly affecting kidneys, lungs and liver. There is no antidote available. We report a 31 years old male who ingested Paraquat for suicidal purposes. He developed an acute renal and hepatic failure and a rapidly progressive severe respiratory failure with images compatible with acute pulmonary fibrosis. No response to immunosuppressive treatment was observed. He died eight days after admission. The use of cyclophosphamide associated with glucocorticoids could lower risk of death the in these patients, although the pathophysiology of respiratory failure is still under study.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chile
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Herbicides / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Paraquat / poisoning*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Suicide

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Herbicides
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Paraquat
  • Methylprednisolone