E-DRUG: Help wanted: Paraquat poisoning (2)
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Successful treatment of paraquat toxicity is extremely time
dependent. The key to treatment is aggressive decontamination
measures to limit absorption. For dermal contact thorough skin
cleansing is necessary. For ingestions, aggressive gastric lavage
and administration of activated charcoal are recommended. Although it
is controversial, most clinician recommend rapid initiation of
charcoal hemoperfusion to lower plasma paraquat levels to limit
pulmonary and other organ system uptake of paraquat. Many clinicians
have also recommended serial or combined hemoperfusion and
hemodialysis, particularly in the first 24 hours after exposure.
Joel Lexchin MD
121 Walmer Rd.
Toronto, Ontario
CANADA M5R 2X8
Phone: (416)-964-7186
Fax: (416)-923-9515
e mail: joel.lexchin@utoronto.ca
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