OBJECTIVES. To study the epidemiology, causes, and clinical course of Chinese herbal medicine–induced anticholinergic poisoning in Hong Kong.

DESIGN. Case series.

SETTING. Hong Kong.

PATIENTS. All case histories of Chinese herbal medicine–induced anticholinergic poisoning (with laboratory confirmation) recorded by the Hong Kong Poison Information Centre over a 93-month period were accessed for analysis.

RESULTS. During the relevant period, 22 clusters of Chinese herbal medicine–induced anticholinergic poisoning involving 32 patients were retrieved. The commonest clinical features were mydriasis (n=32, 100%) and confusion (n=24, 75%). No gastrointestinal decontamination was performed. None of these patients underwent intubation, defibrillation, cardioversion, pacing, fluid resuscitation, inotropic support or dialysis. Of the 32 patients, 17 (53%) were treated with physostigmine because of confusion, three of whom had previously received intravenous benzodiazepines. No patient could be effectively treated with benzodiazepines alone. There was no mortality, and all the patients were discharged within 3 days. None of them re-attended the emergency department within 1 week of discharge. The commonest cause was the substitution of flos campsis (Campsis grandiflora) by the flower of the Datura species (7 clusters [32%] in 10 patients).

CONCLUSION. Mydriasis and confusion were the commonest clinical features of Chinese herbal medicine–induced anticholinergic poisoning in Hong Kong. Physostigmine was frequently used in the treatment; benzodiazepines appeared ineffective. The commonest cause was the substitution of flos campsis (Campsis grandiflora) by the flower of the Datura species.

Key words:Cholinergic antagonists; Hong Kong; Medicine, Chinese traditional; Poisoning

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