Taxus baccata intoxication

Authors

  • Beñat de Alba Iriarte Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Analisi Klinikoen Zerbitzua
  • Maria Letona Luqui Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Pediatria Zerbitzua
  • Ainhoa Igarzabal Irizar Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Pediatria Zerbitzua
  • Maria Unceta Suarez Gurutzetako Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Analisi Klinikoen Zerbitzua
  • Miren Lacasta Esain Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Genetika Zerbitzua
  • Raquel Muguerza Iraola Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Genetika Zerbitzua
  • Julien Swen Crettaz Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Genetika Zerbitzua
  • Otilia Martinez-Mugica Barbosa Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Pediatria Zerbitzua
  • Itxaso Marti Carrera Donostia Unibertsitate Ospitaleko Pediatria Zerbitzua

Keywords:

3, 5-dimethoxyphenol, yew, intoxication, cardiotoxicity, taxine, Taxus baccata

Abstract

Taxus baccata is one of the most poisonous trees in the world. It contains taxanes and toxic alkaloids: the most dangerous one is the taxine. It is a fairly common plant in our environment and could be extremely dangerous; however, yew poisoning is quite rare. Cases may occur by voluntary or accidental form. Therefore, the rapid orientation and diagnosis of suspected episodes are important, in order to treat it quickly.

A man was transferred to the hospital with no symptoms after autolytic attempt by abundant yew leaves ingestion. He presented respiratory alkalosis, reduced consciousness, and ventricular tachycardia. He was treated urgently and fully recovered in a week.

There are no specific analytical alterations in this intoxication. Taxine compound analysis is not made in clinical laboratories. The final diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol (a taxine metabolite), by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were analyzed by the Institute of Toxicology.

Downloads

Additional Files

Published

2020-12-30

How to Cite

de Alba Iriarte, B., Letona Luqui, M., Igarzabal Irizar, A., Unceta Suarez, M., Lacasta Esain, M., Muguerza Iraola, R., Crettaz, J. S., Martinez-Mugica Barbosa, O., & Marti Carrera, I. (2020). Taxus baccata intoxication. Osagaiz: Osasun-Zientzien Aldizkaria, 4(2). Retrieved from https://aldizkariak.ueu.eus/index.php/osagaiz/article/view/300

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Itzulpenak & Moldaketak