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Weight loss supplement causing acute heart block in a child

Daniel R O'Brien1, Vivian Szymczuk2, Cecilia A Albaro2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL, USA.

Cardiology in the Young
|January 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

A teenager experienced severe heart block and toxicity after consuming a candlenut seed for weight loss. This case highlights the unknown risks of herbal supplements and the need for medical awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Toxicology
  • Herbal Medicine

Background:

  • Herbal weight loss supplements pose potential health risks.
  • Aleurites moluccana (Candlenut) is used in traditional medicine and for weight loss.
  • Adverse effects of herbal remedies are often underreported.

Observation:

  • A 16-year-old male presented with vomiting, somnolence, and chest pain.
  • Electrocardiogram revealed 2nd-degree heart block, worsening over time.
  • Symptoms mimicked digoxin toxicity.

Findings:

  • Ingestion of a single Aleurites moluccana seed led to significant cardiac toxicity.
  • The patient's condition improved with supportive care in the ICU.
  • Complete resolution of symptoms occurred within 48 hours.

Implications:

  • Physicians must consider herbal supplement toxicity in patients with unexplained symptoms.
  • Increased awareness and reporting of adverse events from herbal products are crucial.
  • Further research is needed to understand the toxicological profiles of commonly used herbal supplements.

Keywords:
Candlenutheart blockherbal supplement

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