Veno-occlusive disease in a fetus caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids of food origin.
We report the occurrence of veno-occlusive disease in a preterm neonate who was symptomatic with hepatomegaly and ascites and was delivered by caesarean section for threatening fetal asphyxia and died shortly afterwards. Post mortem examination revealed veno-occlusive disease typical for pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning. The content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the liver could be confirmed. Analysis of a herbal mixture which was used for cooking in the family revealed high amounts of the respective alkaloids clarifying the source of the poison and the causal relationship.
Rasenack
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany. rrase@frk.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Müller
C
C
Kleinschmidt
M
M
Rasenack
J
J
Wiedenfeld
H
H
D005260:Female; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005502:Food / Q000633:toxicity*; D006504:Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000633:toxicity*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011763:Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids / Q000633:toxicity*
D028321:Plant Preparations; D011763:Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids