Poisoning by toxic plants in Hong Kong: a 15-year review.

INTRODUCTION: Hong Kong has a great diversity of plants, many of which are toxic to humans. The aim of this study was to identify the plant species most commonly involved in cases of plant poisoning in Hong Kong and to provide clinicians with a reference tool for the diagnosis and management of plant poisoning. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all plant poisoning cases referred to the Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2017. Demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment and outcomes of patients, as well as morphological identification and analytical testing of the plant specimens, were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 62 cases involving 26 poisonous plant species were identified, among which Alocasia macrorrhizos (Giant Alocasia), Gelsemium elegans (Graceful Jessamine), and Rhododendron (Azalea) species were the three most commonly encountered. Gastrointestinal toxicity (n=30, 48%), neurological toxicity (n=22, 35%), and hepatotoxicity (n=6, 10%) were the three most common clinical problems. Forty-nine (79%) and eight (13%) patients had mild and moderate toxicity, respectively; they all recovered shortly with supportive treatment. The remaining five (8%) patients experienced severe toxicity requiring intensive care support. Most patients (n=61, 98%) used the plants intentionally: as a medicinal herb (n=31), as food (n=29), and for attempting suicide (n=1). Reasons for using the poisonous plants included misidentification (n=34, 55%), unawareness of the toxicity (n=20, 32%), and contamination (n=6, 10%). CONCLUSIONS: Although most plant exposure resulted in a self-limiting disease, severe poisonings were encountered. Epidemiology of plant poisonings is geographically specific. Clinicians should be aware of local poisonous plants and their toxicities.

Drug-induced hypoglycaemia--new insight into an old problem.

OBJECTIVE: To review the causes of drug-induced hypoglycaemia in patients not taking hypoglycaemic medications. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Regional hospitals in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Patients with suspected drug-induced hypoglycaemia without a known history of exposure to hypoglycaemic agents, referred to the Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory from June 2005 to March 2006 inclusive. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of positive cases, laboratory findings, possible causes, age distribution, and final outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 51 such patients were referred, in whom the presence of oral hypoglycaemic agents was detected (or inferred) in 23 (45%). In 12 of the 23 patients, oral hypoglycaemic agents could only be detected by target analysis, not through broad-spectrum screening. Gliclazide and glibenclamide were detected in 14 and eight patients respectively, whereas glimepiride, nateglinide and rosiglitazone were detected in the remaining patient. Possible sources of oral hypoglycaemic agents included drug administration errors in residential care homes for the elderly (n=9), mistakenly taking medication of a family member or employer (n=6), taking stock medication by mistake (n=2), taking Chinese proprietary medicine adulterated with oral hypoglycaemic agents (n=1), taking unknown pills bought from a retail pharmacy (n=1), and unknown (n=4). Regarding these 23 patients, 17 (74%) were aged 70 years or above and 21 (91%) recovered uneventfully. CONCLUSION: Hypoglycaemia due to inadvertent use of oral hypoglycaemic agents is a recognised problem, particularly in cases where family members living in the same household are taking similar medications. Possible drug administration errors in residential care homes for the elderly should be investigated, and procedures rectified if confirmed. Health care providers should be vigilant to such potential errors, especially in cases of unexplained hypoglycaemia.

Aconite poisoning in camouflage.

The Toxicology Reference Laboratory has confirmed 10 cases of aconite poisoning from March 2004 to May 2006. In four of these 10 cases, the aconite herb was not listed in the written prescription. We report these four cases to highlight the problem of 'hidden' aconite poisoning.

Formate buffer as preservative for urinary free catecholamine measurement.

BACKGROUND: Strong mineral acid is the most commonly used preservative for measuring urinary free catecholamines. Leakage of corrosive acid is a safety hazard. The use of formate buffer as a safer alternative was studied. METHODS: Twenty-two urine specimens from post-operative patients were collected and preserved in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid or 0.75 M formate buffer. The specimens were stored at 4 degrees C or -70 degrees C, respectively. The free catecholamine content was measured at regular intervals by high-performance liquid chromatography for 6 months. RESULTS: The preservation capability of formate buffer was equivalent to that of hydrochloric acid. Deep-freeze storage offered additional protection independent of the preservative used. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that formate buffer, compared to the most popularly used strong mineral acid solution, is an equally effective preservation for urinary free catecholamines. The less acidic nature of formate should invite fewer unpleasant incidents and safety hazards.

Use of hair analysis in the diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning: report of three cases.

We report three paediatric cases of suspected heavy metal poisoning that presented with non-specific symptoms. Hair samples of the three patients were sent overseas for analysis; results showed abnormal levels of many elements, including some heavy metals. A diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning was made and chelation therapy was offered to each patient. Blood levels for some heavy metals were subsequently checked and all were within the normal range. The original diagnosis of heavy metal poisoning was therefore not substantiated. The patients did not have a history of exposure to heavy metals or specific clinical features of heavy metal poisoning. The non-invasive nature of hair analysis is tempting, but the validity of such testing in diagnosing heavy metal poisoning is questionable.

Macroprolactin-a cause of pseudohyperprolactinaemia.

Macroprolactin is a complex of immunoglobulin G and monomeric prolactin with little biological activity in vivo. Macroprolactin cross-reacts in modern commercial prolactin assays, however, leading to pseudohyperprolactinaemia. This report is of three patients with macroprolactinaemia and the untoward consequences if this benign condition is misdiagnosed as genuine hyperprolactinaemia are discussed. One adult and one child without symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia were incidentally found to have elevated serum prolactin levels, one of whom had a pituitary incidentaloma. Repeat prolactin measurement after polyethylene glycol precipitation showed that the majority of circulating prolactin was macroprolactin. The third patient had galactorrhoea and pituitary microadenoma. Polyethylene glycol study showed that macroprolactinaemia exists simultaneously with genuine hyperprolactinaemia leading to falsely high serum prolactin levels. The recognition of this relatively common and benign condition is important in order to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations and treatment. Particular attention must be paid to patients in whom the clinical and radiological findings are incompatible.

Two cases of severe intoxication associated with analytically confirmed use of the novel psychoactive substances 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe.

CONTEXT: A new group of novel psychoactive substance, the N-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of substituted phenethylamine, has recently emerged on the drug market, among which 25I-NBOMe and 25B-NBOMe have previously been implicated in clinical intoxications and fatalities. We report two cases of acute intoxication associated with these substances. CASE DETAILS: Two male patients (17 and 31 years of age) had ingested drugs labelled as 'NBOMe' or 'Holland film' and developed confusion, agitation, hypertension, tachycardia, hyperthermia, sweating and dilated pupils. Other features included convulsion, rhabdomyolysis and deranged liver function. The patients required benzodiazepines and other drugs for the control of symptoms. Urine samples from both patients were analysed using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following glucuronidase digestion and solid-phase extraction. Identification was based upon comparison of the retention time and enhanced product ion scan with reference standards. In both urine samples, 25B-NBOMe was detected. Additionally, 25C-NBOMe was identified in one of the urine samples. DISCUSSION: The NBOMe compounds are highly potent 5HT2A receptor agonists and are also agonists at alpha-adrenergic receptors, which likely account for their serotonergic and sympathomimetic symptoms. The clinical testing of NBOMe drugs is not commonly available. Clinicians as well as laboratory staff play an important role in facilitating the detection of this group of potentially dangerous emerging drugs.

Serotonin syndrome following overdose of a non-prescription slimming product containing sibutramine: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Non-prescription slimming products are popular and can be easily purchased from the Internet. However, adulteration of these products with undeclared substances including prescription drugs is not uncommon. We report a case of serotonin syndrome after an overdose of a non-prescription product containing sibutramine. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old woman presented with somnolence, sinus tachycardia, generalised increase in tone, hyper-reflexia and clonus more prominent in the lower limbs after an intentional overdose of a non-prescription slimming product obtained from the Internet. The product was later found to contain sibutramine and other substances such as animal thyroid tissues, caffeine and phenolphthalein. Quantitative analysis of patient's serum on presentation revealed a sibutramine concentration of 112 ng/mL, which far exceeded the reported peak serum concentration after a single oral dose of 15 mg (the maximum daily recommended dose). No other culpable agent was identified. The overall clinical presentation was compatible with serotonin syndrome associated with sibutramine overdose. The patient made a full recovery after supportive management. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This case highlighted the health threat posed by non-prescription slimming products sold over the Internet. Sibutramine overdose can result in serotonin syndrome, as in overdose of other serotonergic agents. Early recognition and timely supportive treatment are essential to ensure a good clinical outcome.

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCAD) is a key enzyme catalysing the dehydrogenation of long-chain fatty acids in mitochondrial beta-oxidation. VLCAD deficiency is a genetic disorder that commonly presents in infancy or childhood with episodes of hypoketotic hypoglycaemia, cardiomyopathy and liver dysfunction. The present study reports an 18-yr-old Chinese female who presented with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure and rhabdomyolysis after a period of prolonged fasting and exertion. VLCAD deficiency was confirmed with decreased VLCAD activity in cultured fibroblasts. The patient completely recovered with supportive care. Pulmonary function tests after the acute episode showed evidence of chronic subclinical respiratory muscle weakness. In conclusion, this rare metabolic disorder should be considered in patients presenting with unexplained acute respiratory paralysis and failure.

Glycerol kinase deficiency presenting with hypodipsia, osmotic diuresis and severe hypernatraemia.

A Chinese boy with glycerol kinase deficiency is reported. His presentation with severe hypernatraemia secondary to hypodipsia and glycerol-induced osmotic diuresis is unusual and not previously described in the literature.