Rajani Patil

Rajshekhar Myageri
Autopsy, Herbicides, Paraquat, Parkinson Disease and pulmonary oedema. ,

Paraquat is widely used as herbicides in India. It is quick-acting and non-selective, killing green plant tissue on contact. It is also toxic to human beings and animals. It can lead to the development of Parkinson's disease. Paraquat interferes with electron transfer, paraquat acts by inhibiting photosynthesis. A large oral dose of Paraquet rapidly leads to death from multi-organ failurewith lung damage consisting of disruption of alveolar epithelial cells, haemorrhage, oedema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the interstitial and alveolar spaces. Study of acute poisoning by Parquat is done. To study toxicity caused by Paraquat an herbicide. A study cases with history of consumption of herbicide autopsied at SDM college of Medical sciences and hospital was done. Study duration was one year. Autopsy findings, forensic science lab reports and hospital case sheets were analysed. autopsy of the cases with history of ingestion of Paraquat was done. History of Signs and Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, pain and swelling of the mouth and throat were noted. At autopsy it was noted that thelungs were glossy and congested. Erosions in mouth, oesophagus and small ulcers in stomach were also noted. Peri-oesophageal and pericardial spaces were inflamed. Cause of death in two cases was respiratory failure and other one was due to pulmonary oedema. Suicidal deaths due to Paraquat consumption are increasing in developing countries. One of the reasons is easy availability of these herbicides. Strict rules should be made for the procurement of such toxic agents.

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