An Accidental Overspill: A Case Report of Fatal Paraquat Poisoning by Dermal Absorption

Authors

  • Karan Pramod
  • Ravdeep Singh
  • Malvika Lal
  • Rajiv Joshi
  • Ashwini Kumar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i4.18523

Keywords:

Paraquat, pulmonary fibrosis, skin absorption, herbicide, renal failure, respiratory insufficiency

Abstract

Introduction: Paraquat dichloride is a widely used, highly toxic herbicide which is sold as a brownish concentrated
liquid of 10–30% strength. Due to easy availability and no specific antidote, numerous fatal cases of paraquat
poisoning by ingestion have been reported accidently or with a suicidal intent.
Case description: A 30 year old alcoholic man who unintentionally consumed poison in an inebriated state leading
to spillage over the unhealed skin lesions over neck and chest area, who presented to hospital emergency 5 days
after the exposure with complaints of breathlessness and reddish skin lesions and subsequently died over the
course of treatment.
Discussion: The findings of this case highlight fatal systemic effects caused by accidental spillage over dermal
lesions leading to respiratory and renal failure. This signifies the magnitude of dermal absorption and the measures
to avoid a minimal exposure turning into a hazardous event

Author Biographies

  • Karan Pramod

    Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab.

  • Ravdeep Singh

    Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab.

  • Malvika Lal

    Junior Resident,Department of Forensic Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab

  • Rajiv Joshi

     Professor and Head,Department of Forensic Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab

  • Ashwini Kumar

    Associate Professor Department of Forensic Medicine, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab.

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Published

2022-10-10

How to Cite

An Accidental Overspill: A Case Report of Fatal Paraquat Poisoning by Dermal Absorption. (2022). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 16(4), 33-37. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i4.18523