title: Botulism in a pregnant intravenous drug abuser.
abstract: A case of botulism is reported in a heroin-abusing parturient who initially presented with lethargy and slurred speech. The diagnostic difficulty, complications, intensive care and anaesthetic management of this case are discussed, with particular reference to the pregnancy and the effects of both botulism and its empirical treatment on the fetus. A short review is provided of a condition that has seen a marked increase in its incidence since 2000.
authors.affiliation: Anaesthetics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. garyamorrison@hotmail.com
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001906:Botulism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002585:Cesarean Section; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*