A Retrospective Analysis of 112 Mushroom Poisoning Patients - Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China, 2016-2023.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Mushroom poisoning is a significant food safety issue with an increasing incidence, with Southwest China being the most severely affected region.

WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study analyzed 112 cases of mushroom poisoning admitted to a specialized toxicology hospital in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. A total of 9 mushroom species were identified across 4 poisoning types. Among 51 poisoning incidents, gastroenteritis was the most common presentation. However, acute liver failure caused by lethal spp. accounted for all mortality in this cohort. Shorter latency periods were associated with less severe poisoning outcomes. Our study applied the HOPE6 and TALK Chinese clinical assessment protocols to evaluate poisoning severity and prioritize multidisciplinary diagnostic processes. Initial treatment decisions based on poisoning type classification, consumption history, and latency period were key factors in preventing further morbidity in clinical management of mushroom poisoning.

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: Clinical management of mushroom poisoning requires improved diagnostic processes, particularly in mushroom species identification for informed clinical decision-making. Excessive medical interventions and their associated risks should be avoided during clinical management.