Therapeutic effect of combined “Sanhuang”-decoction and ulinastatin in treatment of acute paraquat poisoning

Objective To study the effect of combined use of "Sanhuang" Decoction (namely, coptis,scutellaria baicalensis and rhubarb) and ulinastatin in the treatment of paraquat poisoning. Methods Totally 100 paraquat poisoning cases were divided into 2 groups and the cases in combined treatment group were given "Sanhuang"-decoction by oral and ulinastatin by intravenous injection except for the regular treatment. The related indicators of patients in two groups were recorded or examined and compared, such as the estimated oral dose of paraquat,the time of taking poison, the perfusion timing,the defecate timing,the last defecation time of green stool, arterial blood gas, blood lactic acid (LAC), liver and kidney function, chest CT, and the survival or death condition. Results The first defecation time and the last defecation time of green stool of patients in combined treatment group came earlier and fatality decreased significantly compared with those of patients in regular treatment group(P<0.05). On the hospitalization day 5, 7 and 14, all indicators related to recovery status, such as blood lactic acid (LAC), liver and kidney function, serum biochemical index arterial and partial pressure of oxygen showed improved significantly among patients in the combined treatment group(P<0.05). Conclusion Early combined use of ulinastatin and "Sanhuang" -decoction would reduce the absorption of paraquat and be effective in the treatment of acute paraquat poisoning.