A Retrospective Hospital-Based Observational Study on the Clinical and Radiological Profile of Paraquat Poisoning in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northeast India

Background Paraquat (PQ) is a safe and effective herbicide when used as directed on the label. However, ingestion of a significant amount of the concentrate (usually with the intent of self-harm) frequently has a fatal outcome. Method A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted on 21 patients admitted with cases of paraquat poisoning between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Information was retrieved from secondary data that were stored in the medical registration department of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, India. Results Our study included 21 patients, mostly females aged 21-30 years, from rural backgrounds. The most common mode of ingestion was oral, with 90% of cases being suicidal. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, oropharyngeal ulcers, respiratory distress, decreased urine, altered sensorium, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, increased serum total bilirubin, low serum albumin, and a rise in serum creatinine. All patients received ICU care and were managed with mechanical ventilation. Out of 21 patients, 19 succumbed (90.47%) to their illness. Only two patients could be revived and discharged successfully. No significant correlation was found between high serum creatinine and death. Conclusion We have found overall mortality to be 90.47%, with pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) being the primary causes of death, followed by acute kidney injury. Since there is no specific antidote for paraquat poisoning, proper and early management of the illness will help to reduce the devastating consequences of the toxic agent.