Citation

Karakasi MV, Tologkos S, Papadatou V, Raikos N, Lambropoulou M, Pavlidis P. Forensic Sci. Rev. 2019; 31(1): 23-36.

Affiliation

Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Central Police University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

30594904

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight the symptomatology in three Conium maculatum intoxication incidents, one of which was fatal. A number of studies were reviewed in order to update and summarize the relevant literature on the incidence, sociodemographic variables, method of poisoning, pathophysiology, diagnosis, variables associated with survival and fatality, management, and treatment of C. maculatum intoxication as well as the biosynthesis and biological effects of poison hemlock alkaloids.

RESULTS show that hemlock poisoning is relatively rare, although incidence varies in different regions, despite its worldwide distribution. Hemlock poisoning is more common in European and especially Mediterranean countries. The majority of the patients are adult males over 38 years of age. The clinical course of hemlock poisoning includes neurotoxicosis, tremor, vomiting, muscle paralysis, respiratory paralysis/failure, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure. The therapeutic management focuses on absorption reduction, close observation for complications, and supportive therapy (especially for respiration). Acute occurrence is severe and life-threatening, but the survival rate is high if treatment is provided promptly. Recovery is rapid, generally taking only a few days.

Copyright © 2019 Central Police University.

Language: en

Keywords

Acute; alkaloids; coniine maculatum; cowbane; forensic pathology; forensic science; hemlock; intoxication; neuromuscular blockage; neurotoxin; poisoning; γ-coniceine