Poisoning from wild mushroom in the Trakya region: an analysis of seven years

Introduction: Mushroom poisoning is a medical emergency, diagnostic and treatment dilemma for physicians. Most cases present with self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. The regional profile of poisoning epidemiology in Turkey has previously been reported. However, information about mushrooms is still limited. The aim of this study was to identify the epidemiology of wild mushroom poisonings in the Trakya region in a 7-year period. Materials and methods:The study was designed retrospectively by examining the files of the patients who presented to the emergency department of Trakya University Faculty of Medicine from January 2002 to July 2008. Results: The overall male to female ratio was 0.88:1. All patients were intoxicated due to accidental pick up and consumption of wild mushrooms from open fields, woodlands and meadows. The most common findings on physical examination were epigastric pain. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) were discharged from the emergency department, 18 patients (24.0%) were hospitalized (one died on the 5th day), and one patient died in the emergency department. Conclusions: Care should be taken especially for patients presenting late. Patients may have hepatic dysfunction that needs haemodialysis or even liver transplantation. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2010;17:341-346