Mass poisoning due to consumption of Datura stramonium for the purpose of abuse

Abstract

Introduction: The consumption of Datura stramonium for abuse purposes constitutes an emerging health problem in developing countries, where economic limitations favour the use of low-cost hallucinogenic substances. Mass poisoning by this plant can generate emergency situations with high mortality due to its severe anticholinergic effects.

Objective: To characterize patients affected by mass poisoning resulting from the consumption of Datura stramonium for abuse purposes.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on a series of 21 cases treated in 2021 in Angola. The medical records of acute poisoned patients from two mass casualty events were reviewed. The variables studied included: mass casualty event, age, personal pathological history, clinical manifestations, and evolution. Absolute and relative frequencies were used as summary measures.

Results: The province of Luanda concentrated the highest number of cases (n=15; 71.4%). The 11-20 years age group was the most affected (n=9; 42.8%). Arterial hypertension was the most frequent pathological history (n=5; 23.8%), although apparently healthy patients predominated (n=15; 71.4%). Drug abuse prevailed among toxic habits (n=20; 95.2%). Severe clinical manifestations were observed in most patients (n=16; 76.1%), including seizures, deep coma, ventricular arrhythmias, and hypertensive crises. The evolution was unfavourable in 13 of 15 patients treated in the capital.

Conclusions: Mass poisoning from the consumption of Datura stramonium for abuse purposes constitutes a preventable health problem with high lethality.