Fatal poisoning of pregnant women by peganum harmala L.: A case reports

Peganum harmala L. is a cosmopolitan plant within the Mediterranean region. It's normally employed in ancient drugs in Morocco as sedative and abortifacient however exposes users to the danger of dose and poisoning. The medical specialty active compounds of this plant embody variety of carboline and quinazoline alkaloids accountable of its pharmacological and medical effects.

We tend to report the case of a 20-year-old woman, intoxicated with the Peganum harmala L. On admission, she was shocked with agitation vomittiong and disturbances of consciousness. Laboratory tests showed anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute kidney disease, increase in transaminases and a positive plasma bHCG. Cerebral CT disclosed multiple areas of cerebral ischemia with subarachnoid hemorrhage, thoraco-abdominal-pelvic CT scan showed an enlarged uterus, the location of an interior hemorrhage while not physiological condition sac and inhalation pneumonia. Early treatment was given, she was intubated, ventilated artificially and sedated, symptomatic treatment was received. Hemodialysis was needed for her renal failure and anuria. She was extubated after six days and discharged from the hospital after one month and a half.

Doctors operating in areas where P. harmala is prescribed or used as an ancient medicine should recognize the signs and symptoms of its toxicity in order to treat and initiate prompt and adequate management. The prognosis is generally favorable, excessive use of high doses of P. Harmala L. can lead to fatal evolution.