TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - A case of abrin toxin poisoning, confirmed via quantitation of l-abrine (n-methyl-l-tryptophan) biomarker
JO  - Journal of medical toxicology
A1  - Wooten, Joe Valentine
A1  - Pittman, Christopher T.
A1  - Blake, Thomas A.
A1  - Thomas, Jerry D.
A1  - Devlin, John J.
A1  - Higgerson, Renee A.
A1  - Johnson, Rudolph C.
SP  - 392
EP  - 394
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
N2  - 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 "peace bracelet". 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1556-9039
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0377-9
ID  - ref1
ER  -