An outbreak of poisoning.

BACKGROUND

The mushroom is reported to cause acute liver injury. It is found in Southern China, and has been previously associated with a high incidence of mortality.

METHODS

We described a series of 10 patients with poisoning admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) in April 2022. Patient demographics, clinical features, laboratory results, therapeutic interventions, and outcome data were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 10 patients, 9 survived, while 1 died. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the first to appear (average latency period, 11 ± 4.2 h). Diarrhea was the most common clinical symptom (average duration, 4.4 days). Abdominal distention was an important sign, especially in severely-ill patients. Thrombocytopenia occurred on day 2 after mushroom ingestion and persisted for 3-4 days. Alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin peaked on days 2-3.

CONCLUSION

poisoning is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms and liver injury. In the patient who died, acute hepatic failure led to hepatic encephalopathy and cerebral edema. Abdominal distension accompanied by thrombocytopenia was common in critically ill patients in this outbreak.