Acute anticholinergic syndrome due to Jimson seed ingestion. Clinical and laboratory observation in six cases

Abstract

Ten patients presented with acute anticholinergic syndrome secondary to Jimson seed (Datura stramonium) ingestion. Six of the 10 patients required hospitalization because of hyperpyrexia and severe neurologic derangement. Electroencephalograms recorded immediately after admission showed [1] slow wave activity, and [2] bizarre rhythmical bursts of high-voltage sharp wave activity; both of which rapidly resolved during the next 24 hours, as did the associated clinical findings of hyperreflexia, bilateral dorsiflexor Babinski responses, and decerebrate posturing. Previously unreported elevation of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase and prothrombin time prolongation are documented. The pathogenic mechanism accounting for abberation of these laboratory values remains undefined. All patients showed rapid clinical improvement; follow-up neurologic evaluation and electroencephalograms have been within normal limits. Because of the widespread availability and potential abuse of the Jimson seed, the clinical syndrome associated with its toxicity merits recognition.