A 3-Year Survey of Mushroom-Poisoned Patients: Clinical Features, Management and Outcomes

Abstract

<em>Background:</em>Besides their nutritional value, mushrooms have shown beneficial effects on human body organs; thus, people are interested in consumption of mushrooms regardless of their safety. In this report, we present patients with suspected mushroom poisoning, who were admitted to the Medical Toxicology Department of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. <em>Method:</em>Seventeen mushroom-poisoned patients were admitted to our department from April 2012 to May 2015. Following the evaluation of the vital signs, biochemical analysis was done and in parallel, treatment was initiated based on the laboratory tests results and clinical manifestations. <em>Results:</em>In this period, 17 mushroom-poisoned individuals (11 males (64.7%) and 6 females (35.3%) with mean age of 28.26±18.05 years old) were referred to our department. Subjects presenting the signs of intoxication within 6 hours post-ingestion comprised 58.8% of our patients. The rate of mortality was zero but 3 patients presented with some levels of unconsciousness. Only one patient had augmented levels of AST with no evidence of hepatic failure. Coagulopathy as reflected by increased INR was observed in 2 patients. Regarding the season in which the poisoning occurred, the majority of cases happened in spring and autumn. <em>Conclusion:</em>Similar to other reports on mushroom-poisoned patients, we observed gastrointestinal disturbances as the major symptom. Since the majority of mushroom poisoning cases occur following the ingestion of accidentally picked mushrooms, risk communication practices should be improved to increase the public awareness of mushrooms toxic effects.