What condition develops as a second phase of Paraquat ingestion?

The condition that develops as a second phase of Paraquat ingestion is hepatocellular necrosis. Paraquat is a toxic herbicide that primarily causes damage to the lungs and has a finely progressive clinical course. The acute toxicity of Paraquat leads to initial respiratory distress and pulmonary damage. Following this initial phase, typically 24 to 72 hours after the ingestion, there is a second phase during which the effects on the liver become prominent.

During this phase, cellular injury to the liver occurs, leading to necrosis of hepatocytes. This is characterized by elevated liver enzymes in the serum and can result in significant liver failure depending on the amount ingested and the timing of intervention. Proper understanding of the pathophysiology of Paraquat poisoning highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to potentially mitigate the severe consequences that arise from hepatocellular necrosis.