A long–term follow–up of lung function in survivors of paraquat poisoning

Abstract

1 Respiratory failure is a frequent cause of death in moderate to severe paraquat poisoning, and a tran- sient fall in the gas transfer factor may be seen in mild poisoning.

2 The objectives of this study were to detect long-term changes in lung function in survivors of paraquat poisoning.

3 We analyzed 12 survivors retrospectively for age, sex, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, chest X-ray findings, serum paraquat level, and lung function test. The first and the follow-up lung tests were performed at 3.7 + 1.4 weeks and 3.4 + 1.4 years, respectively.

4 Serum paraquat levels were assayed in all patients and 3/12 were above the Proudfoot's predictive line. Liver dysfunction (GOT > 50) and renal dysfunction (BUN > 30) were noted in 5/12 and 8/12, respectively. DL/VA was lower than the normal limit in the first study (3.9 + 0.6 L), but increased significantly and returned to the normal range in the follow-up study (4.5 + 0.6 L).%VC was within the normal range in either examina- tion, but significantly decreased in the follow-up.%TLC was within the normal range in the first study (87 + 13%), but significantly decreased below the normal limit in the follow-up (81 + 13%).

5 These results indicate that survivors of paraquat poisoning may be left with a restrictive type of pulmonary dysfunction and suggest that a long-term follow-up of lung function may be necessary for survivors of paraquat poisoning.