[Self-poisoning with Datura stramonium. 3 case reports].
BACKGROUND
Datura stramonium is a hallucinogenic plant that causes serious poisoning. Due to its easy availability and strong anticholinergic properties, substance users and teens may use Datura stramonium as a drug. Consumption of any part of the plant can result in severe toxicity.


METHODS
3 cases of acute self-poisoning by ingestion of Datura stramonium are reported. The patients presented with a typical anticholinergic syndrome: agitation, confusion, hallucinations and combative behaviour; all of them had mydriasis, but dry mouth and tachycardia were less common. All these 3 subjects had a good prognosis but have required hospitalisation because of severe psychiatric derangement with agitated behaviour. The patients were favourably managed with only symptomatic treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This article reviews the clinical syndrome associated with the toxicity. The severity of hallucinations and confusion, associated with pupillary dilation, flushing, dry mouth, and tachycardia, are related with Datura intoxication. Symptomatic treatment is efficient.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care physicians might be informed about the abuse of Datura stramonium, often associated with substance misuse, and the need to educate risk-patients.
Birmes
P
P
Département des Urgences, CHU de Toulouse. birmes.p@chu-toulouse.fr
Chounet
V
V
Mazerolles
M
M
Cathala
B
B
Schmitt
L
L
Lauque
D
D
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013286:Datura stramonium / Q000506:poisoning*; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005751:Gastric Lavage; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008152:Loxapine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D010076:Oxazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011041:Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D013997:Time Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018492:Dopamine Antagonists; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010076:Oxazepam; D008152:Loxapine