J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol.
2012 Dec;10(2):86-90.
Clinical Features of Pokeweed Intoxication Experienced in a University Hospital
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Korea. mdgarden@gmail.com
Abstract
- PURPOSE
Although Pokeweed intoxication is relatively less severe, thereis little data onthe clinical presentation ofPokeweed intoxication in Korea. This study examined the clinical aspectsto providebasic data for evaluating Pokeweed intoxication.
METHODS
A retrospective study by a chart review was performedon 19 patients who ingested Pokeweed and presented to anacademic emergency department with an annual census of 40,000 between March 2012 and May 2012.
RESULTS
Nineteen patients were identified. All patients wereintoxicated unintentionally. The most common symptoms were vomiting with diarrhea and abdominal pain. The onset time varied, but occurs 30 minutes to 5 hours post ingestion of Pokeweed. All patients were discharged without fatal complications.
CONCLUSION
Compared to previous reports, mostpokeweed poisoning patients complain of gastrointestinal symptoms. Supportive care is the mainstay of the management of pokeweed intoxication. All symptoms were resolved over a 24 to 48 hour period.