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Analysis of mushroom exposures in Texas requiring hospitalization, 2005-2006
George Barbee1, Cristóbal Berry-Cabán, James Barry
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC, USA. george.a.barbee@us.army.mil
Introduction:
Texas has approximately 200 species of wild mushrooms, including toxic and hallucinogenic varieties. Mushroom ingestions in Texas were studied for 2005-2006.
Methods:
Data was obtained via Texas Poison Control Centers and retrospectively reviewed. Case notes were reviewed individually regarding initial reporting, age, signs and symptoms, toxic effect, management, and patient outcomes.
Results:
A total of 742 exposures occurred during the study period. All exposures were acute and intentional. Of these exposures, 59 (7.9%) were admitted to the hospital, with 17 (28.8% of admissions) requiring admission to a critical care unit. Four cases required inpatient psychiatric admission. The average age of admitted exposures was 20.5 years, with a male-to-female predominance of 3.3:1. Eleven (22.9%) of the admitted exposures were identified, with Psilocybin being the most common agent (n = 10, 91%). Among the admissions, co-ingestions were identified with the mushroom ingestion in eleven patients (40.7%). The most common symptoms in admitted patients were vomiting (n = 34, 57.6%), nausea (n = 19, 32.2%), altered mental status (n = 17, 28.8%), abdominal pain (n = 13, 22%), and diarrhea (n = 10, 16.9%).
Conclusions:
All mushroom exposures examined were acute and intentional. Major toxic reactions were uncommon, and no deaths were reported. Serious poisoning from mushroom ingestion is rare in Texas; however, there is greater need for information dissemination on morbidity.
Insights
Mushroom ingestions in Texas are intentional, with serious poisoning rare. Psilocybin was the most common identified agent, and information dissemination on morbidity is needed.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Public Health
- Mycology
Background:
- Texas harbors around 200 wild mushroom species, encompassing toxic and hallucinogenic types.
- Mushroom ingestions in Texas were analyzed for the period 2005-2006.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of mushroom ingestions reported in Texas.
- To identify common agents and symptoms associated with mushroom exposures.
Main Methods:
- Data from Texas Poison Control Centers were retrospectively reviewed.
- Case notes were analyzed for reporting details, demographics, symptoms, toxic effects, management, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 742 acute, intentional mushroom exposures were recorded.
- Psilocybin was the most frequent identified agent (91% of identified cases).
- Common symptoms included vomiting, nausea, altered mental status, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Conclusions:
- Serious poisoning from mushroom ingestion is uncommon in Texas, with no reported deaths.
- All analyzed exposures were acute and intentional.
- Enhanced public information on mushroom ingestion morbidity is necessary.
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