GW, a 41-year-old farmer, mistakenly ingested herbicide, thinking it was a sports drink. He experienced immediate symptoms and rushed to the ER. Tests confirmed herbicide poisoning, and he was sedated for treatment. The herbicide, Diquat dibromide, caused multi-organ failure and brain damage. Despite intensive care, GW passed away 17 days later. The case highlights the dangers of improper chemical storage and handling.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. GW, a 41-year-old farmer, mistakenly drank herbicide thinking it was a sports drink.
2. He presented to the emergency room sweaty, panicked, and with a burning sensation in his esophagus.
3. A chemical test on his urine confirmed the ingestion of herbicide.
4. GW had consolidated chemicals into smaller bottles months earlier, leading to the mix-up.
5. The herbicide was identified as Diquat dibromide, available in home improvement stores.
6. Diquat disrupts photosynthesis in plants by stealing electrons, causing damage and death.
7. In humans, Diquat causes multi-organ failure and does not get metabolized by the liver.
8. GW's kidneys shut down, preventing Diquat elimination through urine.
9. GW experienced left ventricular dysfunction indicating heart damage.
10. Diquat caused damage to GW's esophagus, stomach, liver, and heart.
11. There is no known antidote for Diquat poisoning.
12. Damage appeared in GW's brainstem several days after ingestion due to Diquat's electron cycling.
13. Bipyridyl herbicide ingestions can be survivable if treated early and in small amounts.
14. GW's condition worsened over 17 days until he could not be resuscitated.
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