Analysis of 156 cases of plant intoxication received in the Toxicologic Information Center at Catholic University of Chile
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Date
2002
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COMPARATIVE TOXICOLOGY LAB
Abstract
We present a retrospective analysis of plant and mushroom ingestions reported to the Toxicologic Information Center at the Catholic University of Chile. All the phone calls of plant and mushroom intoxications received from January 1998 through June 2000, were classified according to agent, clinical presentation, affected age group, origin of the phone call, and time from exposure to the toxic agent. OF 36,580 consultations received, 156 were intoxications with plants or mushrooms, and 53.9% of them affected children <6years. Most patients were symptomatic at consultation, with digestive, neurologic, anticholinergic or cutaneous effects. The most frequent accidental ingestions were of elephant's ear (Colocasia sp) by. children, causing digestive symptoms, and by intentional ingestions of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) by adolescents, causing anticholinergic symptoms 5 cases of Amanita phalloides were reported with 3 fatal due to fulminant hepatic damage. Plant and mushroom intoxications are an uncommon event, but can serious compromise those that ingest them. Despite its low incidence, public and medical community education is essential to prevent and manage these intoxications efficient.
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