A New Method for Predicting the Outcome and Survival Period in Paraquat Poisoning

Abstract

1 To elucidate the importance of lung damage in the prognosis of paraquat poisoning, the respiratory index (RI: A-aDO₂/PO₂) was analysed in 51 patients with paraquat poisoning.

2 Progressive deterioration of the RI was observed in 43 non-survivors, but not in 8 survivors. In addition, the RI of non-survivors became greater than 1.5 in the course of their poisoning, while that of the survivors remained less than 1.5.

3 The level of the RI (i.e. whether it became greater than 1.5 or not) was found to be a good indicator for the prognosis for life.

4 The RI-time, defined as the time taken from ingestion for the RI to be greater than 1.5, was found to be a good indicator for predicting the survival period in fatal cases.

5 As a result, we conclude that it is important and useful to examine a series of RI and the RI-time in poisoned patients not only to provide proper respiratory care, but also to predict outcome and survival period.

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