Datura stramonium poisoning in children

Abstract

Although substance abuse is fairly common among adolescents, poisoning from Datura stramonium (a broadleaf annual erect herb with spine-covered seed capsule) is uncommon in children and has not been reported in our locality. We present the case of two children admitted at the Children Emergency Room of a teaching hospital following ingestion of extract of Datura stramonium. They developed neurotoxicity (confusion, agitation, mydriasis, and hallucination) and were managed symptomatically with good outcome. A high index of suspicion and early management of poison in children is imperative if a favorable outcome is expected. Early presentation and the presence of an eyewitness contributed to the very good outcome in these index cases. In this report, we discussed the symptomatology and management of Datura toxicity in children.

Anticholinergic syndrome induced by toxic plants

“…[11] Several reports in the literature describe different aspects of the anticholinergic syndrome concerning adult, children and animal intoxication. [17][18][19] Regarding our first two cases, Datura Stramonium was confirmed as the etiology of their clinical syndrome as no other causes were identifi ed and the patients reported eating plants that had similar appearance to Datura Stramonium, a plant that exists in abundance in Greece.…”

Comprehensive review of cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents

“…The direct and indirect effects in skin capillaries resulting into vasodilation and a red appearance are among the typical clinical signs of overdose, but the mechanism(s) is(are) not fully understood. In general, while CNS derangement is dominant, deaths are rare …”

“…In general, while CNS derangement is dominant, deaths are rare. [338][339][340][341][342] In addition to the clinically used parasympatholytics, many other drugs possess substantial anticholinergic (i.e., antimuscarinic) activity. This is particularly important for several antipsychotics and TCA.…”

Pupillary Abnormalities in Childhood – 2 Case Presentations

“…Pacient býva dezorientovaný, trpí halucináciami alebo upadá do letargie [18].Typický je aj celkový nepokoj, podráždenosť až agresivita. Taktiež dochádza k zvýšeniu telesnej teploty, suchosti slizníc, tachykardii a zvýšeniu systémového tlaku krvi [1]. Zrenice sú mydriatické, s oslabenou až neprítomnou reakciou na osvit [18].…”