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- Title
A Case of Abrin Toxin Poisoning, Confirmed via Quantitation of l-Abrine ( N-Methyl- l-Tryptophan) Biomarker.
- Authors
Wooten, Joe; Pittman, Christopher; Blake, Thomas; Thomas, Jerry; Devlin, John; Higgerson, Renee; Johnson, Rudolph
- 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 '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.
- Subjects
RIBOSOME-inactivating proteins; BIOMARKERS; PLANT proteins; PLANT toxins; LEGUMES; ABRIN
- Publication
Journal of Medical Toxicology, 2014, Vol 10, Issue 4, p392
- ISSN
1556-9039
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s13181-013-0377-9