Abstract

Purpose: Although Pokeweed intoxication is relatively less severe, there is little data on the clinical presentation of Pokeweed intoxication in Korea. This study examined the clinical aspects to provide basic data for evaluating Pokeweed intoxication. Methods: A retrospective study by a chart review was performed on 19 patients who ingested Pokeweed and presented to an academic emergency department with an annual census of 40,000 between March 2012 and May 2012. Results: Nineteen patients were identified. All patients were intoxicated unintentionally. The most common symptoms were vomiting with diarrhea and abdominal pain. The onset time varied, but occurs 30 minutes to 5 hours post ingestion of Pokeweed. All patients were discharged without fatal complications. Conclusion: Compared to previous reports, most pokeweed poisoning patients complain of gastrointestinal symptoms. Supportive care is the mainstay of the management of pokeweed intoxication. All symptoms were resolved over a 24 to 48 hour period.

• Keywords: Pokeweed;Plant poisoning;Phytolacca americana;;