Global malaria map

New formulation of paraquat improves survival rates in cases of self-poisoning

In this week’s PLoS Medicine, a study by Martin Wilks (of Sygenta) and independent scientists from Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Australia, compared the outcome of paraquat self-poisoning with the standard formulation against a new formulation following its introduction into Sri Lanka.

The study is discussed in a related expert commentary by Nick Bateman – uninvolved with the research – who argues the findings can “focus attention on simple strategies to reduce paraquat-induced death (and morbidity from this and other pesticides) in Asia”.

Citation: Wilks MF, Fernando R, Ariyananda PL, Eddleston M, Berry DJ, et al. (2008) Improvement in survival after paraquat ingestion following introduction of a new formulation in Sri Lanka. PLoS Med 5(2): e49.

PLEASE ADD THE LINK TO THE PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT: http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050049

PRESS-ONLY PREVIEW OF THE ARTICLE: http://www.plos.org/press/plme-05-02-wilks.pdf

CONTACT:
Martin Wilks
Syngenta Crop Protection AG
Global Stewardship
WRO 1004.3.34
Basel, Basel 4002
Switzerland
+41613235723
+41613237779 (fax)

Related PLoS Medicine perspective:

Citation: Bateman DN (2008) New formulation of paraquat: A step forward but in the wrong direction? PLoS Med 5(2): e58.

PLEASE ADD THE LINK TO THE PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT: http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050058

PRESS-ONLY PREVIEW OF THE ARTICLE: http://www.plos.org/press/plme-05-02-bateman.pdf

CONTACT:
Nick Bateman
National Poisons Information Service
Edinburgh
United Kingdom

About PLoS Medicine

PLoS Medicine is an open access, freely available international medical journal. It publishes original research that enhances our understanding of human health and disease, together with commentary and analysis of important global health issues. For more information, visit http://www.plosmedicine.org

About the Public Library of Science

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