Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus.
We describe a case of a 43-yr-old female with severe multiorgan injury after accidental poisoning with Colchicum autumnale, which was mistaken for wild garlic (Allium ursinum). Both plants grow on damp meadows and can be confused in the spring when both plants have leaves but no blossoms. The autumn crocus contains colchicine, which inhibits cellular division. Treatment consisted of supportive care, antibiotic therapy, and granulocyte-directed growth factor. The patient was discharged from the hospital after three weeks. Three years after recovery from the acute poisoning, the patient continued to complain of muscle weakness and intermittent episodes of hair loss.
Gabrscek
Lucija
L
Department of Intensive Internal Medicine, General Hospital Celje, Slovenia.
Lesnicar
Gorazd
G
Krivec
Bojan
B
Voga
Gorazd
G
Sibanc
Branko
B
Blatnik
Janja
J
Jagodic
Boris
B
D000059:Accidents; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003078:Colchicine / Q000506:poisoning; D003079:Colchicum / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010939:Plant Poisoning / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D003078:Colchicine