Hemlock (Conium Maculatum) Poisoning In A Child

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Capan Konca1, Zelal Kahramaner1, Mehmet Bosnak2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Adiyaman University Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman.

Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine
|June 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Accidental ingestion of poison hemlock can cause severe poisoning, including central nervous system depression and respiratory failure. Prompt supportive care is crucial for managing hemlock toxicity, especially in children.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Plant Poisoning
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a highly toxic plant with potentially fatal consequences for humans and animals.
  • Ingestion can lead to severe neurological and physiological complications, including central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, rhabdomyolysis, and renal failure.

Observation:

  • A case report details a 6-year-old girl presenting with burning mouth, hypersalivation, tremors, and ataxia after consuming poison hemlock.
  • The plant was mistaken for a commonly consumed vegetable, highlighting a critical risk factor for accidental poisoning.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms were consistent with severe hemlock poisoning.
  • Supportive care is the primary treatment modality for Conium maculatum toxicity.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the danger of misidentifying toxic plants, emphasizing the need for public awareness and education.
  • Accidental plant ingestion can lead to life-threatening conditions, necessitating rapid medical intervention and supportive care.

Keywords:
Conium maculatumchildhoodhemlockpoisoning

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