Authors : Aref Hosseinian Amiri , Bahram Delfan and Soleiman Jaferian
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to study the socio demographic pattern and mode of presentation of Paraquat intoxication in Shohada Ashayer Hospital, Khorramabad, Iran. In this descriptive study, 52 cases of Paraquat toxin poisoning, admitted through the emergency department of internal medicine ward, were evaluated in the study. In all the cases a previously established clinical and therapeutic protocol was applied and the outcome was recorded. Twenty nine (55.76%) patients were male, 23 (44.24) were female with the mean age of 25.04 years. Male to female ratio was 1.26. 40 (76.9%) cases were attempted suicides and 12 cases (23.1%) were due to accidental events. Mean age was 22.1 years in the 40 suicidal cases and 34 of them were less than 24 years. Among the suicide attempts, 31(77.5%) were female patients. The patients’ mean arrival time to the hospital after poisoning was 2.1�6.01 h. Exposure routes were gastrointestinal in 52 patients (100%) of patients. Death of 37(71.1%) patients was occurred in the patients of this study. In 40 suicidal cases, 34 patients were died (85%). In cases that using more than 20cc of liquid, the mortality was 94.4 % (27 case). Causes of poisoning (suicide vs. non-suicide), the time interval between poisoning to arrival at hospital and the amount of Paraquat toxin were major determinants of lethality.
Aref Hosseinian Amiri , Bahram Delfan and Soleiman Jaferian , 2008. Paraquat Poisoning Cases Treated at Shohada Ashayer Hospital of Khorramabad in 2001-2006. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 3: 525-529.