Clinical Investigation

Evaluation of Musroom Intoxications Presenting at the Emercency Department of Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital

  • Çigdem ECEVIT
  • Murat HIZARCIOGLU
  • Pelin Akgün GERÇEK
  • Hakan GERÇEK
  • Ertan KAYSERILI
  • Pamir GÜLEZ
  • Hursit APA

Received Date: 19.09.2003 Accepted Date: 23.06.2004 Meandros Med Dent J 2004;5(3):11-14

Mushroom toxicity is a worldwide concern. In the adult population, mushroom toxicity constitutes seven percent of all acute intoxications. The clinical feature may vary from mild nausea and vomiting to hepatic insufficiency according to the type of mushroom. In this study, we analyzed 21 patients who were seen at the Emercency Department of Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital from January 2002 to December 2002. 11 of the 21 patients (52%) were female and 10 of them (48%)were male. 9 of the 21 patients (43%) were older than 10 years and 17 of the 21 patients (81%) were hospitalized in spring. The most common symptoms were vomiting in 17 patients (81%) and diarrhea in 5 patients (24%). We observed cholinergic symptoms in 7 patients (33%), hepatic insufficiency in 3 patients (14%) and neurologic symptoms in 6 patients (28%). Death occured in 3 patients as a result of hepatic insufficiency and the rest of the patients recovered without any sequelae. Mushroom intoxications in Izmir and envira were mostly diagnosed in children older than 10 years and in spring. Most of the patients recovered without any problems, except patients who developed hepatic insufficiency.

Keywords: Mushroom toxicity, childhood