Question Of The Day

The below images were obtained after exposure to sap from which “fruiting” plant and light? Fig (ficus carica) contains furocoumarins (5-methoxypsoralen) which can result in phytophotodermatitis characterized by “a keratolytic effect, resulting in delayed blistering and vesicle formation.” 1) https://www.acepnow.com/article/toxicology-answer-the-fig-tree/ Article by Dr. Jason Hack…

Which dye routinely used in medical imaging has been suggested as a possible antidote for amatoxin? Indocyanine green. The referenced article utilized a combined approach using genome-wide CRISPR screening coupled with in silico drug prediction to identify new antidotes for medically relevant human poisons. Indocyanine…

What compound isolated from Russula Subnigricansis has been suggested as the causal agent for rhabdomyolysis? cycloprop-2-ene carboxylic acid Matsuura M, Saikawa Y, Inui K, Nakae K, Igarashi M, Hashimoto K, Nakata M. Identification of the toxic trigger in mushroom poisoning. Nat Chem Biol. 2009 Jul;5(7):465-7….

Historical QOD 12/19/08: What laboratory finding is suggestive for the diagnosis of bromism?   Negative anion gap with hyperchloremia. Bromides produce a falsely elevated chloride level, which leads to a negative anion gap calculation. A chloride level greater than 115 meq/L is suggestive of bromide…

The following mushroom found in Japan, Taiwan and China is known as the Russula. What toxicity is it associated with? “Russula subnigricansis a poisonous mushroom that can cause rhabdomyolysis and death in severe case.” A recent report describes hemolysis in a patient with G6PD deficiency….

What is Arsenobetaine? Arsenobetaine is an organoarsenical compound synthesized by fish and crustaceans, considered non-toxic because of it’s rapid excretion from the body. Chris F. Harrington, Eid I. Brima & Richard O. Jenkins (2008) Biotransformation of arsenobetaine by microorganisms from the human gastrointestinal tract, Chemical…

An analysis of unintentional edible cannabis exposures in children < 6 years old from the National Poison Data System, during the years 2017-2021, looked at trends and clinical outcomes. They also compared the exposures before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Which age group range had…

Ingestion of this plant, which grows in prairie lands of the great plains and lower areas of the Rocky Mountains, is associated with toxicity that includes nausea, vomiting, headaches, and non-specific dehydration and malaise? The “buffalo bean” or “buffalo pea” plant, Thermopsis rhombifolia, has been…

Historical QOD 12/18/08: What is the major risk factor for the development of allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome? Renal insufficiency. Allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is a potentially life-threatening cutaneous adverse reaction. It has been hypothesized that the accumulation of allopurinol, or its metabolites, in patients with renal…

Intra-arterial administration of papaverine should be considered in the treatment of toxicity resulting from administration of which treatment for migraine headaches? Dihydroergotamine (DHE) has a spectrum of toxicity that can include profound vasospasm leading to digital ischemia which may manifest as paresthesias with anesthesia, digital…