Michael Frass1, Petko Zagorchev2, Vasilka Yurukova3, Beatrix Wulkersdorfer1, Karin Thieves4, Konstantin Zedtwitz-Liebenstein1, Willfried Bursch5, Alan David Kaye6. 1. Department of Medicine I, Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. 2. Anesthesiology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Hospital for Active Therapy, Shumen, Bulgaria. 3. Internal Medicine, Clinic for Homeopathy, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. 4. Sola Salus, Institute for Homeopathic Research, Geilenkirchen, Germany. 5. Department of Internal Medicine I, Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. 6. Departments of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Intoxication with Amanita phalloides is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment therapies include general support, toxin elimination, pharmacotherapy with agents such as the hepatoprotective agent silibinin, and, in extreme states, liver transplantation. Despite these therapeutic interventions, mortality remains relatively high. CASE REPORTS: We present reports of 2 patients with severe hepatic failure following intoxication with Amanita phalloides. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit; 1 patient suffered from hepatic failure solely, and the second patient experienced severe 5-organ failure. In addition to conventional intensive care treatment, both patients were treated additively with classical homeopathy. The 2 patients survived without any residual pathological sequelae. CONCLUSION: Based on the 2 cases, including 1 extreme situation, we suggest that adjunctive homeopathic treatment has a role in the treatment of acute Amanita phalloides-induced toxicity following mushroom poisoning. Additional studies may clarify a more precise dosing regimen, standardization, and better acceptance of homeopathic medicine in the intensive care setting.
BACKGROUND: Intoxication with Amanita phalloides is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment therapies include general support, toxin elimination, pharmacotherapy with agents such as the hepatoprotective agent silibinin, and, in extreme states, liver transplantation. Despite these therapeutic interventions, mortality remains relatively high. CASE REPORTS: We present reports of 2 patients with severe hepatic failure following intoxication with Amanita phalloides. Both patients were admitted to the intensive care unit; 1 patient suffered from hepatic failure solely, and the second patient experienced severe 5-organ failure. In addition to conventional intensive care treatment, both patients were treated additively with classical homeopathy. The 2 patients survived without any residual pathological sequelae. CONCLUSION: Based on the 2 cases, including 1 extreme situation, we suggest that adjunctive homeopathic treatment has a role in the treatment of acute Amanita phalloides-induced toxicity following mushroom poisoning. Additional studies may clarify a more precise dosing regimen, standardization, and better acceptance of homeopathic medicine in the intensive care setting.
Authors: C N Broussard; A Aggarwal; S R Lacey; A B Post; T Gramlich; J M Henderson; Z M Younossi Journal: Am J Gastroenterol Date: 2001-11 Impact factor: 10.864