Paraquat poisoning in pediatrics and its impact on severe lung damage: a case report

Introduction: Paraquat is an extremely toxic herbicide that can cause pulmonary fibrosis and severe respiratory damage.Case report: This case report presents a 17-year-old male patient from Orito, Putumayo, who was admitted to a tertiary care center in Pasto, Nario, after ingesting 100 ml of paraquat in a suicide attempt.He presented with dysphagia, odynophagia, diaphoresis, and hemodynamic instability.Although the initial chest X-rays showed no abnormalities, subsequent studies revealed progressive lung damage.A chest computed tomography scan confirmed severe pulmonary injury.The patient experienced worsening gas exchange, severe hypoxemia, and acute kidney failure, requiring hemodialysis.Due to a poor clinical course despite established treatment, he became a candidate for lung transplantation.Conclusion: This case highlights the rapid progression and severity of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in young patients, emphasizing the need for early medical intervention to anticipate complications and improve survival chances.