Associations between laboratory parameters and outcome of paraquat poisoning

Paraquat, a non-selective herbicide, is a known fatal substance in humans, acid intentional ingestion of paraquat is increasing among Korean suicides. In 1999, 147 subjects admitted to the Institute of Pesticide Poisoning, So onchunhyang Chunan Hospital. Korea ingested paraquat. Initial routine labor atory tests were conducted and the outcome of paraquat poisoning was catego rized as survivor and fatality. Mean amount (S.D.) of ingestion was 54.5 (1 04.9) mi, and the overall fatality rate was 44.2%. Abnormal liver function (GOT and GPT), renal dysfunction (BUN and creatinine), metabolic acidosis ( pH and PaCO2), and abnormal urine analysis (RBC, WBC, and protein) had sign ificant odds ratios (ORs) for paraquat fatality (P < 0.05). In multiple log istic regression. subjects with liver or renal dysfunction or metabolic aci dosis had significant risks of the fatality. Our results determined that in itial routine laboratory parameters could be used to predict the outcome of paraquat poisoning and recommended that evaluation of acid-base status and renal and liver function should be conducted and evaluated before intensiv e therapy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.