[Epidemiological factors of mushroom poisoning in the north-east of Poland].

Mushroom poisoning (m.p.) are still real and increasing problems in Poland. Epidemiological characteristics, clinical picture and the outcome of the therapy with and without plasmapheresis are reported in 83 patients with mushroom poisoning. M.p. are occurring every year, between June and December. The most often m.p. cases occurred as collective intoxication (89%). The most often m.p. cases occurred as a collective intoxication (89%). The most severe cases are caused by the consumption of Amantia phalloides (31 cases), and deaths were reported only after consumption of that mushroom (6 deaths). Cases were also seen eating of not properly prepared eatable mushrooms (neurotoxins arisen from choline). Symptoms seen in our patients concluded: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and fever. Particularly severe course of the disease was seen in children following intoxication with Amanita phalloides. Plasmapheresis was an effective therapy only when applied within 48 hours following intoxication.