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Quail consumption can be harmful.
Ilhan Korkmaz1, Fatma Mutlu Kukul Güven, Sevki Hakan Eren
1Medicine Faculty, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|October 31, 2008
Summary
Coturnism, a rare toxicological syndrome from consuming quail that ate hemlock seeds, causes acute rhabdomyolysis. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications like kidney failure.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
Background:
- Coturnism is a rare toxicological syndrome resulting from quail consumption, particularly during their migration south when they ingest hemlock seeds.
- This syndrome is characterized by acute rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving muscle breakdown.
Observation:
- Four cases of coturnism following quail consumption are presented.
- Patients exhibited symptoms such as muscle tenderness, extremity pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- The clinical presentation was indicative of acute rhabdomyolysis.
Findings:
- Treatment involved vigorous isotonic crystalloid hydration and urine alkalinization.
- All patients showed normalization of laboratory results and resolution of clinical symptoms.
- Coturnism, though rare, can be a lethal cause of rhabdomyolysis if not managed promptly.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of coturnism is essential for clinicians, especially in regions where quail consumption is prevalent.
- Early consideration of coturnism in patients with compatible symptoms and history can prevent severe outcomes like renal failure and shock.
- This case series highlights the importance of a thorough patient history in diagnosing rare toxicological syndromes.
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