Would You Fugu? - Bilge

JD Johnny Dollar Tiki Socialite Flyover, Missourah Joined: Oct 01, 2003 Posts: 3159	JD Johnny Dollar Posted posted on Thu, Jan 27, 2005 9:28 AM from emedicine.com Pufferfish poisoning Tetrodotoxin (TTX) causes pufferfish (Tetrodon) poisoning, also known as blowfish poisoning or fugu. TTX is one of the most potent nonprotein poisons found in nature, and exposure can result in rapid death. Symptoms occur within 15 minutes of ingestion but may be observed as late as several hours later. More rapid onset of symptoms is associated with higher levels of toxin ingestion. Symptoms principally are neurologic and cardiovascular in nature and may include perioral tingling, a floating sensation, a feeling of overall warmth, weakness, incoordination, slurred speech, bradycardia, hypotension, and dyspnea. Decreased levels of consciousness, seizures, and death have occurred in as few as 17 minutes. TTX is concentrated in organ meat and gonads. TTX binds specifically to and blocks nerve cell sodium channels. Currently, no antidote exists for TTX. Care is supportive. Gastric lavage and charcoal are indicated in cases of early presentation. Some clinicians have used anticholinesterases (eg, neostigmine, edrophonium) with varying success. Atropine, pressors, and IV fluids can be used for cardiovascular instability. Patients who present with mild symptoms may be observed and discharged at 8 hours if symptoms have diminished. Remember that exposure to TTX does not result in alteration of sensorium; therefore, do not overlook sedation. The incidence of pufferfish poisoning is decreasing, presumably because of heightened awareness and proper preparation of fish. [ Edited by: Johnny Dollar on 2005-01-27 09:36 ]

from emedicine.com

Pufferfish poisoning

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) causes pufferfish (Tetrodon) poisoning, also known as blowfish poisoning or fugu. TTX is one of the most potent nonprotein poisons found in nature, and exposure can result in rapid death. Symptoms occur within 15 minutes of ingestion but may be observed as late as several hours later. More rapid onset of symptoms is associated with higher levels of toxin ingestion. Symptoms principally are neurologic and cardiovascular in nature and may include perioral tingling, a floating sensation, a feeling of overall warmth, weakness, incoordination, slurred speech, bradycardia, hypotension, and dyspnea. Decreased levels of consciousness, seizures, and death have occurred in as few as 17 minutes.

TTX is concentrated in organ meat and gonads. TTX binds specifically to and blocks nerve cell sodium channels. Currently, no antidote exists for TTX. Care is supportive. Gastric lavage and charcoal are indicated in cases of early presentation. Some clinicians have used anticholinesterases (eg, neostigmine, edrophonium) with varying success. Atropine, pressors, and IV fluids can be used for cardiovascular instability. Patients who present with mild symptoms may be observed and discharged at 8 hours if symptoms have diminished. Remember that exposure to TTX does not result in alteration of sensorium; therefore, do not overlook sedation. The incidence of pufferfish poisoning is decreasing, presumably because of heightened awareness and proper preparation of fish.

[ Edited by: Johnny Dollar on 2005-01-27 09:36 ]

Post #137682 by Johnny Dollar on Thu, Jan 27, 2005 9:28 AM