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The Veterinary Clinics of North... Apr 2018Because most poisonings occur by toxin ingestion, the gastrointestinal system is the first exposed and, in most cases, it is exposed to the highest toxin concentrations.... (Review)
Review
Because most poisonings occur by toxin ingestion, the gastrointestinal system is the first exposed and, in most cases, it is exposed to the highest toxin concentrations. Consequently, enterocyte damage is common. However, because many toxins produce organ-specific damage, and enterocyte necrosis is easily confused with autolysis, many gastrointestinal lesions are overlooked or overshadowed by other clinical and pathologic changes. The objective of this work is to review several common toxins and poisonous plants that produce primarily gastrointestinal disease.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Horse Diseases; Horses; Microcystins; Plants, Toxic
PubMed: 29397222
DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2017.11.008 -
European Journal of Pediatrics Oct 2020The Arum palaestinum plant is one of the 26 species of the Arum genus of the Araceae family. This plant species is found through the Mediterranean region, Western Asia,...
The Arum palaestinum plant is one of the 26 species of the Arum genus of the Araceae family. This plant species is found through the Mediterranean region, Western Asia, and Europe. The leaves and seeds of the plant contain needle-shaped oxalate crystals that can irritate the affected tissue (skin, oral cavity, or GI tract) upon exposure. Up to this date, there is no available literature supporting the epidemiology or the clinical manifestations of poisoning by this plant. We retrospectively reviewed all Arum palaestinum exposures to children younger than 18 years of age reported to the Israel National Poison Information Center during 2017 from the IPIC computerized data system. We extracted demographic data and clinical data from those digital files. We reviewed the files of 53 patients' files and found slight male predominance (58% vs. 42%), and the age of exposure ranged from 9 month to 15 years. The main site of exposure was at home in most cases (47%) followed by outdoor exposure in 40% of the cases. In 66% of the cases, minor clinical manifestations were reported, mainly erythema and mouth irritation, agitation, and drooling. Asymptomatic patients composed 34% of the cases. In 17% of the cases, patients were recommended to visit an ambulatory facility, and other 15% of the cases were referred to the emergency department. There were no cases of severe poisoning, upper airways compromise, or death.Conclusion: Poisoning by Arum palaestinum is one of the most common pediatric plant poisoning in Israel. Our study supports with clinical data for the first time that this poisoning is self-limited, confined to the affected mucosa, and most likely does not necessitate any intervention. What is Known • A. palaestinum poisoning is one of the most common pediatric plant poisoning in Israel. • The leaves and seeds of the plant contain needle-shaped oxalates crystals. What is New • Pediatric exposure to A. palaestinum usually causes only mild and self-limited poisoning. • Expectant observation is the preferred management of such exposure.
Topics: Adolescent; Arum; Child; Child, Preschool; Europe; Female; Humans; Infant; Israel; Male; Poison Control Centers; Poisoning; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 32296984
DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03648-x -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... Mar 2024Biotoxins are toxic substances that originate from living organisms and are harmful to humans. Therefore, we need to know the symptoms of biotoxins poisoning to manage... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Biotoxins are toxic substances that originate from living organisms and are harmful to humans. Therefore, we need to know the symptoms of biotoxins poisoning to manage the damage. The purpose of this study is to establish a practical diagnostic protocol for dealing with poisoned patients exposed to biotoxins.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study is a review study. Our studied community is articles and books matching the title of the project and relevant keywords. First, by searching the key words sign, symptom, biotoxins, relevant articles were extracted and studied from valid databases. By reviewing the studies based on the search strategy, four groups of biotoxins that were studied the most were identified. These four groups are marine biotoxins, bacterial biotoxins, fungal biotoxins and plant biotoxins. In each of these biotoxin groups, important toxins were selected and studied.
RESULTS
A total of 1864 articles were initially identified from the databases searched in present study. After screening titles and abstracts, 26 articles were included in the systematic review. Specifically, 7 articles were included for bacterial toxins, 9 articles for marine toxins, 5 articles for plant toxins and 5 articles for fungal toxins.
CONCLUSION
The symptoms of plant biotoxins poisoning may include cardiovascular, hematologic, neurologic, respiratory, renal, and gastrointestinal symptoms, while the symptoms of fungal biotoxins poisoning may include hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, metabolic, respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular symptoms. marine biotoxins poisoning presents with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, with varying incubation periods and recovery times. bacterial biotoxins exposure can lead to a wide range of clinical symptoms, with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain being the most common, and hemoglobinuria or hematuria being a sensitive and specific clinical manifestation for diagnosing ongoing HUS in children.
Topics: Humans; Marine Toxins; Toxins, Biological
PubMed: 38336277
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107629 -
Toxicon : Official Journal of the... May 2021Ricin, a toxic glycoprotein derived from the castor bean plant, is one of the most potent poisons known in the world. Ricin intoxication is a fatal and uncommon medical... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ricin, a toxic glycoprotein derived from the castor bean plant, is one of the most potent poisons known in the world. Ricin intoxication is a fatal and uncommon medical condition and recently its use as a potential bioterrorism agent has also been reported. This study aims to identify the main characteristics of diagnosed ricin poisoning cases worldwide in order to raise awareness of this toxin among the population and clinicians.
METHODS
A collection of human case studies of ricin intoxication in the world was produced. The databases Pubmed, Sciencedirect and Google Scholar were used to extract articles from January 1980 to June 2020.
RESULTS
Fifty ricin-intoxicated patients worldwide described in the literature have been identified. Most cases were found in Asia (19 cases), Europe (12 cases) and America (15 cases). Intoxication was mostly accidental (37 cases). Intoxication by castor bean is characterized by acute gastroenteritis-like disease as primary manifestations leading to severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance. The mechanism of death was peripheral vascular collapse and progressing multiple organ failure occurring 10h-72h after intoxication. The questioning of patients and family made it possible to retrieve an history of castor seeds or castor oil ingestion Patients received symptomatic treatment consisting mostly to rehydration with intravenous fluids and digestive decontamination performed with activated charcoal and/or gastric lavage within one day after the ingestion, to reduce gastrointestinal absorption of ricin. This decontamination treatment administered early has been very effective. Only six deaths were observed.
DISCUSSION
Currently, no antidote, vaccine, or other specific effective treatment is available for ricin poisoning or prevention. Prompt treatment with supportive care was necessary to limit morbidity and mortality. To date, patient education is essential to prevent this accidental poisoning.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians and health care professionals should have a high level of suspicion when faced with an outbreak of serious respiratory or gastrointestinal illness.
Topics: Asia; Ricinus communis; Europe; Humans; Plant Poisoning; Ricin
PubMed: 33711365
DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.004 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Jan 2022Deliberate self-poisoning and harm (DSPH) is an unabating problem with a wide variation in the methods used across the world. Hence, this study was conducted to...
BACKGROUND
Deliberate self-poisoning and harm (DSPH) is an unabating problem with a wide variation in the methods used across the world. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the current spectrum of methods used for DSPH by patients in our geographic locality and catchment area with special emphasis on newer compounds and drugs used.
METHODS
This retrospective study included patients presenting with DSPH to the emergency department (ED) between January 2017 and December 2018.
RESULTS
This study included 1802 patients, with a mean age of 32 ± 12.7 years. Of the patients, 85% were in the young to middle age group (16-45 years). Agrochemicals (n = 604, 33.5%), drugs (n = 498, 27.6%), plant toxins (n = 150, 8.3%) and rodenticides (n = 145, 8%) were the predominantly used compounds. The major emergency resuscitation procedures required in the ED were intubation (n = 321, 18%), vasopressor support (n = 73, 4%) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (n = 27, 1.4%). A quarter (23.2%) was discharged stable from the ED, whereas a further 56.5% were discharged stable after hospital admission. The in-hospital mortality rate was 3% (n = 47). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed rodenticides (odds ratio (OR): 22.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.05-61.88; = 0.005) and plant poisons (OR: 23.92; 95% CI: 8.95-63.94; = 0.005) to be the independent predictors of mortality.
CONCLUSION
DSPH is prevalent in the highly productive young age group. Agrochemical ingestion and drug overdose are the most common methods used, whereas rodenticide and plant poisoning are associated with significant mortality.
PubMed: 35309643
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1184_21 -
International Journal of Pediatrics 2017Plant poisoning is a common presentation in paediatric practice and an important cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in Sri Lanka. The burden of plant poisoning...
Plant poisoning is a common presentation in paediatric practice and an important cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in Sri Lanka. The burden of plant poisoning is largely underexplored. The current multicenter study based in rural Sri Lanka assessed clinical profiles, poison related factors, clinical management, complications, outcomes, and risk factors associated with plant poisoning in the paediatric age group. Among 325 children, 57% were male with 64% being below five years of age. 99.4% had ingested the poison. Transfer rate was 66.4%. Most had unintentional poisoning. Commonest poison plant was and poisoning event happened mostly in home garden. 29% of parents practiced harmful first-aid practices. 32% of children had delayed presentations to which the commonest reason was lack of parental concern regarding urgency of seeking medical care. Presence of poisonous plants in home garden was the strongest risk factor for plant poisoning. Mortality rate was 1.2% and all cases had Oleander poisoning. The study revealed the value of community awareness regarding risk factors and awareness among healthcare workers regarding the mostly benign nature of plant poisoning in children in view of limiting incidence of plant poisoning and reducing expenditure on patient management.
PubMed: 28377789
DOI: 10.1155/2017/6187487 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jul 2022Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine...
Several plants that contain indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, are toxic to livestock, causing dysfunctional lysosomes and storage disease. Swainsonine induces a neurovisceral disease, known as locoism, in sheep, goats, and cattle, which occurs in several parts of the world, including, but not limited to, the western United States, China, and parts of Australia. In South America, locoism has been described in the Andean region of Argentina affecting sheep, cattle, and llamas. Intoxication by consumption of was suspected in 4 llamas in Jujuy Province, northwestern Argentina. The grazing area contained abundant specimens of . The clinical course was ~15 d, and included moderate ataxia, incoordination of hindlimbs, and progressive loss of body condition. Microscopically, fine cytoplasmic microvacuolation was observed in the proximal convoluted renal tubules. Ultrastructurally, these changes consisted of severely dilated lysosomes. Swainsonine was detected in stem and leaf samples of at a concentration of 0.06%. Based on clinical history and signs, histologic and ultrastructural changes, and plant analysis, a diagnosis of swainsonine toxicosis caused by consumption of was made, which has not been reported previously, to our knowledge.
Topics: Animals; Argentina; Astragalus Plant; Camelids, New World; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Plant Poisoning; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Swainsonine
PubMed: 35524435
DOI: 10.1177/10406387221094272 -
International Journal of Legal Medicine Jan 2017Plant exposures are among the most frequently reported cases to poison control centres worldwide. This is a growing condition due to recent societal trends oriented... (Review)
Review
Plant exposures are among the most frequently reported cases to poison control centres worldwide. This is a growing condition due to recent societal trends oriented towards the consumption of wild plants as food, cosmetics, or medicine. At least three general causes of plant poisoning can be identified: plant misidentification, introduction of new plant-based supplements and medicines with no controls about their safety, and the lack of regulation for the trading of herbal and phytochemical products. Moreover, an efficient screening for the occurrence of plants poisonous to humans is also desirable at the different stages of the food supply chain: from the raw material to the final transformed product. A rapid diagnosis of intoxication cases is necessary in order to provide the most reliable treatment. However, a precise taxonomic characterization of the ingested species is often challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of the emerging DNA-based tools and technologies to address the issue of poisonous plant identification. Specifically, classic DNA barcoding and its applications using High Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) ensure high universality and rapid response respectively, whereas High Throughput Sequencing techniques (HTS) provide a complete characterization of plant residues in complex matrices. The pros and cons of each approach have been evaluated with the final aim of proposing a general user's guide to molecular identification directed to different stakeholder categories interested in the diagnostics of poisonous plants.
Topics: DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; DNA, Plant; Forensic Toxicology; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Plants, Toxic; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 27796590
DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1460-y -
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) Dec 2022The genus is composed of plants containing a diverse set of steroidal alkaloids. plant material has been utilized for centuries as herbal medicines, however the...
INTRODUCTION
The genus is composed of plants containing a diverse set of steroidal alkaloids. plant material has been utilized for centuries as herbal medicines, however the alkaloids have such a low therapeutic index that they are not used in modern medicine. Here we report an incident of inadvertent ingestion of by hikers in Georgia that allowed detection, and in several instances identification of alkaloids from the plant, and correlated their presence within patient blood and breast milk specimens.
CASE HISTORY
Eight patients, three male and five female, presented in the spring of 2020 and 2021 with symptoms requiring emergent medical attention after ingestion of All patients believed the plants to be a local native species of wild leek, , locally known as ramps. Plants were identified using photographs as well as fresh and cooked plant material provided by patients, in consultation with botanists at the University of Georgia Herbarium. Written consent was obtained from all patients for collection of blood and breast milk specimens for laboratory identification of alkaloids.
METHODS
plant material, and patient serum and breast milk were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF) to identify steroidal alkaloids.
RESULTS
The extract was confirmed to contain cyclopamine, veratramine, jervine, and muldamine. Two out of the eight patients had detectable concentrations of alkaloids. Of the alkaloids identified in the plant, cyclopamine and jervine were detected within patient serum, and cyclopamine and veratramine were observed to be present in breast milk.
DISCUSSION
Toxicity resulting from steroidal alkaloids has primarily been reported from and . This is the second report of poisoning. The present work reports for the first time the presence of muldamine and jervine within . This work provides the first instance of identification of alkaloids in breast milk. Thus, the findings presented herein add to literature record causative agents contributing to the toxicity of when ingested and potential for secondary poisoning through breastfeeding.
CONCLUSION
toxicity was observed to cause nausea, vomiting, hypotension, bradycardia, abdominal pain, light-headedness, blurred vision, and tingling in the arms. Patients experiencing mild symptoms improved with supportive care, IV fluids, and antiemetics, but hemodynamically unstable patients required atropine and vasopressors. This study demonstrated that more lipophilic alkaloids can be passed along in breast milk, which suggests additional precautions may be critical to limit further poisonings.
Topics: Female; Humans; Veratrum; Milk, Human; Veratrum Alkaloids; Alkaloids; Plant Poisoning
PubMed: 36301078
DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2132166 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Apr 2021Poisonous plants cause large losses to the livestock industry through death, reduced production efficiency, reproductive dysfunction, and compromised harvesting of... (Review)
Review
Poisonous plants cause large losses to the livestock industry through death, reduced production efficiency, reproductive dysfunction, and compromised harvesting of rangeland and pasture forages. Research investigating poisonous plants is complex because there are hundreds of genera of toxic plants representing thousands of species. To investigate the effects of poisonous plants on livestock, a clear understanding of the taxonomic identity of the plant and the ability to collect the plant in sufficient quantities for scientific studies is required. Subsequently, the active principles must be defined and investigated in the taxa of interest to better predict risk and make recommendations to reduce losses. Herbaria are collections of preserved plant specimens and are an important resource in poisonous plant research. Voucher specimens have often been used in the identification of the plant for the experimental reproduction of suspected livestock poisoning associated with a spontaneous case. More recently, herbarium specimens have been used to investigate the chemical composition of toxic plants as well as the distribution of different chemotypes over the landscape. The primary purpose of this review is to highlight the chemical analysis of herbarium specimens in poisonous plant research.
Topics: Animals; Livestock; Phytochemicals; Plant Poisoning; Plants, Toxic
PubMed: 33797894
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c00708