What is the role of renal replacement therapy in managing paraquat toxicity?

To manage fluid balance and remove circulating paraquat

Paraquat is rapidly excreted by the kidneys, but the high concentrations often cause acute kidney injury, which complicates the patient's condition. In the intensive care unit, continuous renal replacement therapy, such as hemodialysis, is utilized to manage the fluid and electrolyte imbalances caused by failing kidneys. Additionally, this therapy may be employed in an attempt to remove some of the circulating paraquat from the blood. While the effectiveness of removing already distributed toxin is limited, the therapy is essential for maintaining systemic stability, managing the metabolic consequences of organ failure, and supporting the patient while the body attempts to process the toxic load.