Information AboutErgotism |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT ERGOTISM | |
| toxicology | |
| neurology | |
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CAUSES The toxic ergoline derivatives are found in ergot-based Drugs (such as Methylergometrine , Ergotamine or, previously, Ergotoxine ). The deleterious side-effects occur either under high dose or when moderate doses interact with potentiators such as Azithromycin . Classically, eating cereals or cereal-based products contaminated with the Fungus ''Claviceps purpurea'' also caused ergotism. Finally, the alkaloids can also pass through Lactation from mother to child, causing ergotism in infants. SYMPTOMS The symptoms can be roughly divided into convulsive symptoms and gangreneous symptoms. Convulsive symptoms Convulsive symptoms include diarrhea, Paresthesia s, itching, seizures, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Usually the gastrointestinal effects precede CNS effects. As well as seizures there can be Hallucination s and mental effects including Mania or Psychosis . The convulsive symptoms are caused by Clavine Alkaloid s. Gangrenous symptoms The dry Gangrene is a result of Vasoconstriction induced by the ergotamine-ergocristine alkaloids of the fungus. It affects the more poorly vascularized distal structures, such as the fingers and toes. Symptoms include desquamation, weak peripheral pulse, loss of peripheral sensation, edema and ultimately the death and loss of affected tissues. HISTORY in mid-2001 from contaminated Barley . Whenever there is a combination of moist weather, cool temperatures, delayed harvest in lowland crops and rye consumption an outbreak is possible. Russia has been particularly afflicted. SEE ALSO
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