Evaluation of Mushroom Poisoning Cases in Emergency Department in the Early and Late Period, 10-Year Observational Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Mushroom poisoning has seasonal characteristics and is an important health problem. A good outcome is expected in the early period(30min-6 hours). There is a high risk of serious complications in late symptoms (after 6 hours). We aim to evaluate the epidemiological evaluation of fungal poisoning in 10 years period and to investigate the difference between early and late poisonings and the factors that cause mortality and morbidity. METHODS: The data of patients aged 18 years and older who applied to the emergency department with mushroom poisoning between June 2011 and June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: We evaluated 163 patients, and 90 (55.20%) patient were male. The median age of the patients was determined as 46.00 (33.00-58.00). Patients most often applied in June. 16 patients had dizziness, 14 had altered mental status. 58 (53.40%) of the patients had early poisoning. Early poisonings were mostly applied in spring, late poisonings in the autumn season. ALT was determined to be higher in the late poisoning group (p = 0.003). 61.80% of late poisonings and 35.60% of early poisonings were hospitalized (p = 0.005). Patients could be discharged, although 3 of late poisonings developed kidney failure and 1 had a resistant infective picture. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is thought that mortality is reduced thanks to early diagnosis, easy access to the hospital, and improvements in treatment. In cases with nonspecific symptoms (such as nausea, sweating, change of consciousness), mushroom poisoning should be questioned.

Keywords

• mushroom
• poisoning
• emergency department