Assessment of mushroom poisoning cases in Denizli in 2006

Abstract

Objectives: Mushroom consumption is common in Denizli, similar to the other regions of Turkey. Depending on this issue, mushroom poisoning is a frequent event especially during particular periods of the year. In our study, we aimed to assess the demographic characteristics and prognosis of patients who suffered from mushroom poisoning. Materials and Methods: Between 01.01.2006 and 31.12.2006, patients coded for T-62 (poisoning effect of mushroom consumption) according to ICD-10 coding system from our university emergency department (ED) and from city hospital and as well as patients from case declaration forms of food poisoning from Health Ministry were included in this retrospective review. We evaluated the demographical features of the patients, laboratory data, and applied treatment and results. Descriptive statistics, (including mean (±SD), frequency and percentage) were calculated. ANOVA and the Chi-square test were used.
Results: A total of 154 patients were included in the study. Eighteen (11.7%) were children (<16 years) and 136 (88.3%) were adults. Seventy-seven of them were males and the mean age (±SD) of the patients was 37.9±19.3 years. The male female ratio among the participants was 1. Most of the admissions to the ED were; 84 (55.4%) patients in November, 23 (14.9%) patients in May, 21 (13.6%) patients in October, and 10 (6.5%) patients in December. Most of the admission symptoms were; 140 (90.9%) nausea and vomiting, 53 (34.4%) abdominal pain, 34 (22.1%) fatigue, 27 (17.5%) diarrhea. The mean time period for the onset of symptoms was (±SD) 222.9 (±184.3) minutes. Symptoms began within the first 6 hours among 135 (%87.7) patients. The mean time period (±SD) for the onset of symptoms among patients who were sent to another center was 398 (±261.6) minutes. The treatment strategies were; 103 (66.9%) gastric lavage, 106 (68.8%) active charcoal, 31 (20.1%) N-acetyl cysteine, and 10 (6.5%) atropine. Twenty-one (13.6%) patients had elevated liver enzymes and 10 (6.5%) had impairment in renal functions. One hundred-one (65.5%) patients were admitted to the hospital for a mean hospital stay of 1.55 (±1.38) days.
Conclusion: Mushroom poisoning cases could be frequently seen during autumn and spring in Denizli. The rate of serious poisoning cases is not much, but education of public and taking precautions as well as being ready for this emergency would save lives.