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JKSCT : Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology

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Ciguatera fish poisoning in Korea: a case report
Jeong Ho Kang, Sung Kgun Lee
J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2021;19(1):55-58.   Published online June 30, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2021.19.1.55
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Ciguatera is the commonest syndrome of marine poisoning that is caused by the ingestion of ciguatoxins that accumulate in certain tropical and subtropical finfish. It is endemic throughout the subtropical and tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean and has been rarely reported in Korea. With the expansion of travel, tourism, and the import of fish from the tropics, ciguatera poisoning now affects a diverse population. We report a case of ciguatera in a 70-year-old woman, presenting with general paralysis and coma, which developed after consuming codfish and mackerel in Korea.
Scombroid Fish Poisoning and Histamine Food Poisoning
Sung Phil Chung
J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2019;17(1):1-6.   Published online June 30, 2019
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22537/jksct.2019.17.1.1
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Scombroid fish poisoning (SFP) is a form of histamine food poisoning caused by the ingestion of improperly stored fish. The term "scombroid" derives from the family name of the fish family first implicated, such as tuna and mackerel. On the other hand, non-scombroid fish species, such as sardine and herring, can also cause histamine poisoning. The histamine is converted from histidine by a bacterial enzyme in the causative fish. Because the symptoms of SFP can easily be confused with food allergies, it is believed to have been significantly under-reported. In 2016, an outbreak of SFP occurred among primary school students who had eaten yellowtail steak in Korea. The most common findings consisted of a rapid onset of flushing of the face and trunk, erythematous and urticarial rash, diarrhea, and headache occurring soon after consuming the spoiled fish. Usually, the course is self-limiting and antihistamines can be used successfully to relieve symptoms, but several life-threatening SFP cases have been reported. Clinical toxicologists should be familiar with SFP and have competency to make a differential diagnosis between fish allergy and histamine poisoning. SFP is a histamine-induced reaction caused by the ingestion of histamine-contaminated fish, whereas a fish allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures of SFP.
Clinical Analysis of Puffer Fish Poisoning Cases
Seung-Hwan Hyun, Chang-Hwan Sohn, Seung-Mok Ryoo, Bum-Jin Oh, Kyung-Soo Lim
J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2011;9(2):95-100.   Published online December 31, 2011
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Purpose: Ingestion of puffer fish can be poisonous due to the presence of potent neurotoxins such as tetrodotoxin (TTX) found in its tissues. There are few clinical reports related to TTX. We performed this study to evaluate the clinical characteristics of TTX poisoning. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of the 41 patients diagnosed with TTX poisoning who visited the Seoul Asan medical center from July 2004 and December 2010. A review of patients' electronic medical records and patient telephone interviews were conducted. Diagnosis of TTX poisoning was confirmed by observing the casual link between puffer fish consumption and the development of typical TTX intoxication symptoms. Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 46.6 years. The highest incidence of intoxication was observed in patients in their 50s (10 patients). Seasonal distribution of intoxication events included 10 in spring, 7 in summer, 10 in fall, and 14 in winter. In most cases, symptoms occurred within 1 hour of ingestion. A wide range of symptoms were associated with puffer fish ingestion affecting multiple body systems including neuromuscular (27 patients), gastrointestinal (19 patients), and cardiopulmonary/vascular (19 patients). All patients were treated with symptomatic and supportive therapy and recovered completely, without sequelae, within 48 hours. In three cases, ventilator support was required. Conclusion: TTX poisoning is not seasonally related, and patients admitted to the emergency room were observed with a wide range of symptoms. Where TTX poisoning is diagnosed, supportive therapy should be performed. Early intubation and ventilation is important, especially is cases of respiratory failure.
Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning after Ingesting Whelk
Young-Gil Ko, Ji-Young Ahn, Seok-Yong Ryu, Sang-Lae Lee, Suk-Jin Cho, Mi-Ran Kim
J Korean Soc Clin Toxicol. 2006;4(2):147-150.   Published online December 31, 2006
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AbstractAbstract PDF
Neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) can result from eating filter-feeding shellfish carrying brevetoxins produced by the marine dinoflagellate Krenia brevis (formally Gymnodinium breve). Brevetoxins enhance sodium entry into cells via voltage-sensitive sodium channels and have an excitatory effect. The incubation period is three hours (range 15 minutes-18 hours). NSP is characterized by gastroenteritis combined with neurologic symptoms. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and burning pain in the rectum. Neurologic symptoms are paresthesia, reversal of hot and cold temperature sensation, myalgia, headache, vertigo, and ataxia. Other symptoms may include malaise, tremor, dysphagia, bradycardia, decreased reflexes, dilated pupils, seizure, and coma. The health problem caused by K. breviscan be associated with a red tide bloom. We encountered 3 cases of neurotoxic shellfish poisoning. They all presented with GI and neurologic symptoms andrecovered after conservative treatment.

JKSCT : Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology