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Epidemic dropsy in New Delhi.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1975
Summary
Epidemic dropsy in New Delhi was linked to Argemone oil in mustard oil. Sanguinarine, a toxin, was detected in patients, with new symptoms like skin pigmentation and hair loss observed.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epidemic dropsy is a serious public health concern.
- Previous outbreaks have been linked to Argemone oil contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an epidemic dropsy outbreak in New Delhi.
- To identify the causative agent and characterize clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Studied 45 cases of epidemic dropsy.
- Analyzed cooking oil for Argemone oil contamination.
- Detected sanguinarine in urine and serum samples.
- Documented clinical findings and epidemiological factors.
Main Results:
- Argemone oil contamination in mustard oil was confirmed.
- Sanguinarine detected in 8/8 urine samples (0.4-3.6 mug/100 ml) and 3/18 serum samples (1.2-3.6 mug/100 ml).
- Leg edema was universal; pigmentation (33%), hair loss (77.7%), and hepatomegaly (24.4%) were notable features.
Conclusions:
- Argemone oil is the cause of this epidemic dropsy outbreak.
- Sanguinarine is a reliable biomarker for diagnosis.
- New clinical features like pigmentation and hair loss are associated with Argemone oil poisoning.