Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology (대한임상독성학회지)

Korean society of Clincal Toxicology (대한임상독성학회)
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Paraquat Poisoning by Skin Absorption

파라콰트에 의한 피부 손상의 임상적 고찰

  • Yang Jong Oh (Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Institute of Pesticide Poisoning, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Gil Hyo Wook (Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Institute of Pesticide Poisoning, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Lee Eun Young (Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Institute of Pesticide Poisoning, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital) ;
  • Hong Sae Yong (Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Institute of Pesticide Poisoning, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital)
  • 양종오 (순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 순천향대학교 천안병원 농약중독연구소) ;
  • 길효욱 (순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 순천향대학교 천안병원 농약중독연구소) ;
  • 이은영 (순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 순천향대학교 천안병원 농약중독연구소) ;
  • 홍세용 (순천향대학교 의과대학 내과학교실, 순천향대학교 천안병원 농약중독연구소)
  • Published : 2004.12.01
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Abstract

Purpose: Paraquat is the most commonly used herbicide in Korea. Exposure to paraquat through the skin has resulted in local irritation or inflammation of varying degree, sometimes severe. The purpose of this study was to review the patients with paraquat poisoning by skin absorption. Methods: We analysed retrospectively the clinical and laboratory findings of 45 patients with paraquat poisoning after dermal exposure, who were admitted to Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital from January 1999 to December 2003. Results: Among 870 cases of paraquat poisoning, 45 cases were exposed to paraquat through the skin. The peak incidence was the fifth decade($40\%$). The clinical symptoms were pain, pruritus, nausea, and vomiting. The major skin lesions were generalized vesicobullae and necrotic erosion in face, scrotum, trunk, upper and lower extremities and etc. All patients were survived after skin contact or inhalation of paraquat. Conclusion: This study illustrates the extreme toxicity of paraquat and demonstrates that lethal quantities of paraquat may be absorbed if repeated exposure to it. Stricter precautions, including the mandatory use of protective clothing, should be recommended whenever this material is used.

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