Epidemiological Study of Patients Poisoned by Poisonous Plants in Isfahan

Nowadays, plants are more available and many are used for treatment purposes, therefore, the rate of poisoning by plants has increased. According to the geographical location of Isfahan in Iran, the present study aimed at investigating this problem since there is paucity of information about plant poisoning in the region.  

In this cross-sectional study, patient data poisoned with poisonous plants were collected from Khorshid Hospital (a referral center for poisoning) in Isfahan between 2010 and 2019. Demographic and clinical, paraclinical and, therapeutic information were studied.

In 72 patients with plant poisoning, the most common cause was unknown plants (29%) followed by castor seed poisoning (22.2%) and datura (16.6%). The majority of patients were male (60%) and the highest rate of poisoning occurred in people aged 20-39 years old. Conscious poisoning was most often reported to be with datura (46.7%) in patients of 10-19 years old, while accidental poisoning was found to be more common with unknown plants (34.1%) in children (0-9 years of age). Poisoning due to treatment purposes was seen manily by unknown plants and castor seeds (61.6%). Suicide by self-poisoning was mainly done by oleander (66.7%). At admission, patients with datura poisoning often had tachycardia (58%) and mydriasis pupils (91%). In patients with castor bean poisoning, gastrointestinal symptoms were more frequent (nausea and vomiting in 94%). Most of the patients were discharged within 24 hours after admission. None of the patients needed antidote and intubation and all were discharged with supportive treatment and complete recovery.

Most of the cases studied had mild symptoms and only needed supportive care. ‎