Chinese herbal medicine-induced anticholinergic poisoning in Hong Kong.
Palabras clave
Abstracto
OBJECTIVE
To study the epidemiology, causes, and clinical course of Chinese herbal medicine-induced anticholinergic poisoning in Hong Kong.
METHODS
Case series.
METHODS
Hong Kong.
METHODS
All case histories of Chinese herbal medicine-induced anticholinergic poisoning (with laboratory confirmation) recorded by the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre over a 93-month period were accessed for analysis.
RESULTS
During the relevant period, 22 clusters of Chinese herbal medicine-induced anticholinergic poisoning involving 32 patients were retrieved. The commonest clinical features were mydriasis (n=32, 100%) and confusion (n=24, 75%). No gastro-intestinal decontamination was performed. None of these patients underwent intubation, defibrillation, cardioversion, pacing, fluid resuscitation, inotropic support or dialysis. Of the 32 patients, 17 (53%) were treated with physostigmine because of confusion, three of whom had previously received intravenous benzodiazepines. No patient could be effectively treated with benzodiazepines alone. There was no mortality, and all the patients were discharged within 3 days. None of them re-attended the emergency department within 1 week of discharge. The commonest cause was the substitution of flos campsis (Campsis grandiflora) by the flower of the Datura species (7 clusters [32%] in 10 patients).
CONCLUSIONS
Mydriasis and confusion were the commonest clinical features of Chinese herbal medicine-induced anticholinergic poisoning in Hong Kong. Physostigmine was frequently used in the treatment; benzodiazepines appeared ineffective. The commonest cause was the substitution of flos campsis (Campsis grandiflora) by the flower of the Datura species.
