Common toxidromes of plant poisonings in Taiwan.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the toxidromes associated with plant poisonings in Taiwan.

METHODS: Retrospective review of acute single-plant exposures with clinical signs and symptoms reported between January 1987 and December 2006 by hospitals to the network of Taiwan Poison Control Centers. Recorded data included demographic data, intent of exposures, exposure routes, clinical findings, and therapeutic strategies.

RESULTS: There were 389 cases that met the criteria. Each case was placed into one of the expected toxidromes: anticholinergic, mucosal inflammation, gastroenteritis, acute multisystem organ failure, delayed multisystem organ failure, cholinergic, cardiac dysrhythmia, hepatotoxicity, dermatitis, seizures, and dyspnea. Anticholinergic poisoning was the most common toxidrome.

CONCLUSION: Plant poisonings can be classified into recognizable toxicologic syndromes. These toxidromes may guide a clinician's evaluation and management before a botanist can confirm the actual plant identity.