Clinical Comparative Analysis of Acute Paraquat Poisoning (270 Cases) and Acute Diquat Poisoning (115 Cases): Prognosis, Organ Damage, and Therapeutic Strategies

A retrospective study comparing paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) poisoning in 270 PQ and 115 DQ patients revealed significant differences in clinical outcomes and organ injury patterns. While both bipyridine herbicides caused multi-organ damage (lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, brain), PQ poisoning was associated with a markedly higher mortality rate (55.6% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.000), shorter median treatment duration ( P = 0.005), and greater ingested amounts ( P = 0.009). PQ predominantly led to fatal pulmonary fibrosis, whereas DQ exhibited more severe renal injury and neurotoxicity. Laboratory findings showed significant differences in median creatinine (Cr, P = 0.013), amylase (AMY, P < 0.001), creatine kinase (CK, P = 0.009), and CK-MB ( P = 0.001) between groups, though white blood cell count, ALT, and AST did not differ. These findings underscore the necessity for differentiated clinical management, with early targeted interventions potentially improving prognosis in these high-mortality poisonings.