ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT CONTEXT: The seeds from Lupinus mutabilis Sweet, also called "chocho", are an important part of the diet in several countries in South America. Prior to consumption, processing is required to remove toxic alkaloids. These alkaloids are known to have pharmacological properties as antiarrhythmics, antimuscarinics and hypoglycemics. CASE REPORT: We report a case in which a one-year-old male initially presented with altered mental status and respiratory distress and subsequently developed symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity, after ingesting a large amount of chocho seeds. CONCLUSION: In spite of going through a difficult clinical condition, the subject evolved favorably through receiving supportive treatment. The seeds from Lupinus mutabilis provide nutritional benefits when consumed, but people need to know their risks when these seeds are consumed without proper preparation.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Infant , Lupinus/poisoning , Eating , Anticholinergic Syndrome/etiology , Foodborne Diseases/etiology , Cholinergic Antagonists , Alkaloids/poisoning , Anticholinergic Syndrome/diagnosis , Anticholinergic Syndrome/blood , Foodborne Diseases/diagnosis , Foodborne Diseases/blood , Hypoglycemic AgentsABSTRACT
Thirty patients of epidemic dropsy from seven families scattered in different areas of East Delhi and UP were studied. The age group of the affected individuals varied from 2 years to 55 years. Argemone oil contamination was found in mustard oil used for cooking. Sanguinarine was detected in all suspected oil samples. Pitting edema of legs was the most consistent feature present in all cases. Other prominent features like local erythema and tenderness were present in 80% and 70% cases, respectively. In contrast to earlier epidemics, two striking features were presence of persistent tachycardia without any pyrexia in all the cases and absence of any ocular problems. There was one death due to congestive heart failure and partial recovery in all others in a 2 months follow up.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Alkaloids/poisoning , Benzophenanthridines , Child , Child, Preschool , Edema/chemically induced , Food Contamination , Humans , India/epidemiology , Intercalating Agents/poisoning , Isoquinolines , Leg , Middle Aged , Mustard Plant/poisoning , Plant Extracts/poisoning , Plant Oils/poisoning , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
An outbreak of epidemic dropsy in Andhra Pradesh was studied during August to September 1987. Thirty cases from 6 families were identified and examined. Ghee and one oil sample were found to be contaminated with the toxic compound sanguinarine. The affected families had purchased ghee from one vendor. The epidemic ended after alerting the villagers of the contaminated ghee, and stopping its further use.