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Ginkgo seed poisoning.
Yo Kajiyama1, Kenichi Fujii, Hajime Takeuchi
1Department of Pediatrics Kyoto Min-i-ren Central Hospital Kyoto, Japan. yo-f@dab.hi-ho.ne.jp
Pediatrics
|February 5, 2002
Summary
Ginkgo seed poisoning in a child caused seizures due to high 4-metoxypyridoxine levels. Prompt pyridoxal phosphate treatment may prevent further seizures, highlighting the importance of awareness and rapid intervention for this food poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Ginkgo seeds are a traditional food, but overconsumption can lead to toxicity.
- Ginkgo seed poisoning is characterized by neurological symptoms, particularly seizures in children.
- The toxic component in ginkgo seeds is believed to be 4-metoxypyridoxine.
Observation:
- A 2-year-old girl presented with vomiting, diarrhea, and afebrile convulsions after ingesting a large quantity of ginkgo seeds.
- Her serum 4-metoxypyridoxine concentration was significantly elevated at 360 ng/mL.
- The patient received prompt treatment with pyridoxal phosphate (2 mg/kg).
Findings:
- This case report is the first in English to document serum 4-metoxypyridoxine levels during ginkgo seed poisoning.
- The measured concentration of 4-metoxypyridoxine was high, correlating with the observed clinical symptoms.
- Pyridoxal phosphate administration potentially prevented further seizures, suggesting its efficacy in managing ginkgo seed toxicity.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of ginkgo seed toxicity, especially in children, is crucial.
- Prompt recognition and treatment with pyridoxal phosphate can mitigate severe neurological outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of understanding the toxicological profile of traditional foods.