Human & experimental toxicology
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1. Three indexes for evaluating the severity of paraquat poisoning based on plasma-paraquat concentration are presently in use; the curves of Proudfood et al. and Scherrmann et al. and the SIPP. Their effectiveness in determining the prognosis of patients with paraquat poisoning was evaluated. 2. ⋯ No significant difference, however, was noted between Scherrmann's curve and the SIPP in determining the prognosis of patients admitted after more than 24 h. 4. In conclusion, Proudfoot's curve proved a better index for predicting the outcome of patients who were admitted within 24 h. However, for the prognosis of patients admitted more than 24 h after the ingestion of paraquat, further study is required.