Survival and mortality in paraquat poisoning: Lessons from two adolescent cases

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide with high lethality, especially when ingested. Despite its agricultural utility, PQ poses a significant health hazard due to its potential for accidental or intentional poisoning. This report describes two adolescent cases of PQ poisoning with contrasting outcomes. The first case involved a 14-year-old who consumed a smaller quantity of PQ and responded favourably to early hemoperfusion, supportive care, and antioxidants, eventually making a full recovery.

The second case, a 15-year-old who ingested a larger amount, presented late with severe renal dysfunction and progressive pulmonary fibrosis, ultimately resulting in death despite intensive care. These cases illustrate the dose-dependent toxicity of PQ and the critical importance of early recognition, prompt decontamination, and aggressive supportive therapy. With no definitive antidote available, management focuses on organ support and mitigating oxidative damage. The contrasting outcomes emphasize the need for early intervention to improve survival in PQ poisoning.