We explored the treatment of a patient poisoned by the Lepiota brunneoincarnata mushroom, which marked its first record in Argentina. This individual, a 51-year-old male, presented with troubling symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which surfaced 36 hours after ingestion. The quick actions taken, including the administration of a nasogastric tube and activated charcoal, were crucial in the response to this medical emergency.
Activated charcoal is commonly utilized in cases of food poisoning due to its ability to absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their further absorption into the bloodstream. In this case, the patient's condition was effectively managed with additional treatments such as N-acetylcysteine, phytomenadione, and penicillin G. His recovery allowed him to be discharged after 11 days.
This case emphasizes the significance of both timely identification of the poisonous mushroom and the role of treatment strategies, including activated charcoal. While the effectiveness of activated charcoal is underscored, it’s important to note that it was part of a broader treatment plan and the overall outcomes reflect a combination of therapies working together.
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We explored the effects of activated charcoal (AC) as a potential treatment for campylobacteriosis, a foodborne illness caused by the Campylobacter bacteria. In our study, we used microbiota-depleted IL-10 mice to understand how AC might influence the disease's progression. Mice were infected and then treated with either AC or a placebo starting on the second day of their infection.
Our observations showed that the mice receiving AC had significantly lower levels of the harmful bacteria in their intestines. Additionally, these mice experienced fewer clinical symptoms such as diarrhea and weight loss compared to those who received the placebo treatment.
Beyond just improving gut health, AC treatment also appeared to lessen inflammation in the intestines. We noted that this approach not only helped with local symptoms but also reduced inflammation in other parts of the body. Given these findings, activated charcoal demonstrates potential as a safe, non-antibiotic option to treat human campylobacteriosis effectively.
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We explored the role of activated charcoal in treating food poisoning, particularly in cases involving the deadly Amanita phalloides mushroom, commonly known as the green death cap. In our investigation, we observed a 32-year-old patient who suffered from acute liver failure after consuming this poisonous mushroom. The treatment he received combined activated charcoal with other medications like silibinin and N-acetylcysteine.
Despite the daunting statistics of over 90% mortality associated with such poisonings, this case highlights the potential effectiveness of this combination therapy. Several retrospective studies indicate that using activated charcoal, alongside other treatments, has led to a significant reduction in mortality rates.
It is important to note, however, that the success of treatment was greatly aided by the collaboration with a mycologist, who helped confirm the diagnosis. This underlines the necessity of involving experts and poison control centers in cases of mushroom poisoning. While the effectiveness of activated charcoal on its own may still be a topic for further research, it appears to have contributed positively in this instance.
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Activated charcoal adsorbs antibioticsThe In Vitro Efficacy of Activated Charcoal in Fecal Ceftriaxone Adsorption among Patients Who Received Intravenous Ceftriaxone.
Mixed focus on food poisoning
We explored the effectiveness of activated charcoal (AC) in adsorbing ceftriaxone—an antibiotic— from fecal samples of patients who received intravenous treatment. The study specifically aimed to see how well conventional activated charcoal could reduce the concentration of ceftriaxone in feces, thus potentially protecting gut health during antibiotic use.
Using samples from eight patients treated at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, we mixed different doses of AC with fecal matter and measured the resulting ceftriaxone levels. We saw promising results: with just 30 mg of AC per gram of feces, there was a significant reduction in ceftriaxone levels—by about 47%. Interestingly, increasing the dosage to 150 mg and 500 mg boosted adsorption rates even further, reaching 71% and 87%, respectively.
While the results are encouraging, showing that conventional activated charcoal can play a role in reducing antibiotic levels in feces, it's important to note that more research is needed. Specifically, studies examining its effects on gut health in live subjects are essential before drawing broader conclusions. Nevertheless, using activated charcoal could be a practical and affordable approach to help maintain gut microbiota during antibiotic treatments.
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We explored the potential of activated charcoal as a treatment for anaphylaxis caused by food and drug intake. Anaphylaxis, often triggered by allergens, can be life-threatening, and timely treatment is crucial. The study involved four patients who experienced severe allergic reactions after consuming certain substances.
Following their initial treatment, we observed that these patients were given oral activated charcoal within 15-45 minutes of their first presentation. Remarkably, we saw no side effects or complications during their recovery, such as prolonged allergic reactions or biphasic responses—where symptoms reoccur after the initial treatment.
All patients were discharged from the hospital after 48 to 72 hours. The study suggests that administering activated charcoal could help eliminate allergens from the digestive system and reduce the absorption into the bloodstream. Thus, we believe that activated charcoal may serve as an important adjunctive therapy in managing food-induced anaphylaxis when given promptly.
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