Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology  2012;10(2):86-90

Clinical Features of Pokeweed Intoxication Experienced in a University Hospital.

Dong Kil JEONG 1 ; Hyung Jun MOON ; Jung Won LEE ; Sae Hoon PARK ; Hyung Jung LEE ; Seung Whan SEOL ; Ah Reum KIM ; Jae Hyung CHOI ; Jae Woo KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Pokeweed; Plant poisoning; Phytolacca americana

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

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.