J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2012 Feb;23(1):154-159.

A Series of Cases of Fukuda Classification Grade IV Tetrodotoxin Poisoning due to Ingestion of Tetrodotoxin from Puffer Fish

• Wi DH

Abstract

Ingestion of the eyes and many of the internal organs of puffer fish can result in severe and potentially lethal intoxication, but there is little available information regarding the results of grade IV tetrodotoxin (TTX) intoxication. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical characteristics of ventilator therapy patients and those suffering respiratory failure after ingestion of TTX from puffer fish, who were admitted to our hospital from January 2002 to May 2011. Of the total patients evaluated, we observed seven cases of Fukuda classification grade IV TTX poisoning. All patients were discharged without any complications within 5-26 days after admission.

Keyword

Tetrodotoxin; Puffer fish; Respiratory failure

MeSH Terms

Eating
Eye
Humans
Respiratory Insufficiency
Retrospective Studies
Stress, Psychological
Tetraodontiformes
Tetrodotoxin
Ventilators, Mechanical
Tetrodotoxin