@article{ref1,
title="A case of abrin toxin poisoning, confirmed via quantitation of l-abrine (n-methyl-l-tryptophan) biomarker",
journal="Journal of medical toxicology",
year="2014",
author="Wooten, Joe Valentine and Pittman, Christopher T. and Blake, Thomas A. and Thomas, Jerry D. and Devlin, John J. and Higgerson, Renee A. and Johnson, Rudolph C.",
volume="10",
number="4",
pages="392-394",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: The seeds of Abrus precatorius contain the highly toxic plant protein abrin. There is no antidote for abrin poisoning. Management, largely supportive, may consist of administering intravenous fluids, anti-emetics, and activated charcoal depending on the time of exposure. We report the presentation of a single case of unintentional abrin poisoning confirmed by the quantitation of L-abrine biomarker.   CASE REPORT: A previously healthy 22-month-old, 11.5-kg female presented to the hospital after ingesting approximately 20 rosary peas (A. precatorius) sold as a &quot;peace bracelet&quot;. Her primary manifestations were episodes of forceful emesis that included food particles progressing to clear gastric fluid. The patient was tachycardic (HR = 134 bpm) but had brisk capillary refill and normal blood pressure (96/60 mmHg). Laboratory testing revealed elevated blood urea nitrogen (16 mg/dL) and serum creatinine (0.4 mg/dL). In the emergency department, the patient was resuscitated with 40 mL/kg normal saline via peripheral IV and received ondansetron (0.15 mg/kg IV) to control retching. The patient was discharged well 24 h after the ingestion.   DISCUSSION: This is the first case of human abrin toxin poisoning confirmed by the quantitation of L-abrine as a biomarker. Quantifying the levels of abrin toxin in the body after exposure can help clinicians make informed decisions when managing patients with symptomatic exposures to seeds of A. precatorius.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1556-9039",
doi="10.1007/s13181-013-0377-9",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0377-9"
}