Herbal toxicity: A case report of toxicity with Colchicum autumnale in a 44-year-old man

Abstract

Background and aims: Colchicum autumnale contains an alkaloid called colchicine, which blocks the cell division by inhibiting mitosis. This study investigated a patient who was poisoned with C. autumnale in Iran.Description: The patient was a 44-year-old man who came to the emergency poisoning ward after a day of hiking and eating soup. He presented with severe nausea and vomiting. The patient was admitted to the ICU two days later with general toxic conditions, complaining of chest pain, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath. The laboratory tests showed elevated liver enzymes and pancytopenia. He developed respiratory distress and physician had to intubate him. He was treated with antibiotics, GCSF for pancytopenia and antioxidant to protect the liver.Conclusion: The patient responded to broad spectrum antibiotic, antifungal and GCSF. Paying attention to the patient’s history was the key to appropriate diagnosis

Keywords

• toxicology
• poisoning
• colchicinum
• emergency medicine
• case report