Analysis of 156 cases of plant intoxication received in the Toxicologic Information Center at Catholic University of Chile
Manríquez, O.; Varas, Jé.; Ríos, J.Carlos.; Concha, F.; Paris, E.
Veterinary and Human Toxicology 44(1): 31-32
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-6296 PMID: 11824773 Document Number: 550383
We present a retrospective analysis of plant and mushroom ingestions reported to the Toxicologic Information Centre, Catholic University of Chile, Santiago, 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 the 36 580 consultations received, 156 were intoxications with plants or mushrooms, and 53.9% of them affected children <6 years. Most patients were symptomatic at consultation, with digestive, neurological, 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 cases due to fulminant hepatic damage. Plant and mushroom intoxications are an uncommon event, but can seriously compromise those that ingest them. Despite its low incidence, public and medical community education is essential to prevent and manage these intoxications efficiently.