Toxic effects of poisonous mushrooms

Poisoning by poisonous mushrooms remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Up to 83.38% of mushroom poisoning cases are registered in Russia from July to the end of October, which corresponds to the mushroom growing season. In 95% of cases, mushroom poisoning occurs as a result of incorrect identification of edible and poisonous mushroom species. This is due to both insufficient public awareness of the properties of mushrooms and the lack of sufficient knowledge of their appearance. The purpose of the study : analytical toxicological analysis, consideration of the mechanism of toxic action, features of diagnostics and intensive care of patients hospitalized with toxic effects of poisonous mushrooms in the toxicological center of a metropolis. Materials and methods of research . The medical records of 130 patients admitted to the Acute Poisoning Center of the State Budgetary Institution «St. Petersburg Research Institute of Emergency Care named after I. I. Dzhanelidze» in 2021–2023 with the diagnosis: «Toxic effect of other toxic substances contained in eaten mushrooms» were analyzed. ICD‑10 rubric: T62. The mechanism of toxic action was studied, statistical, laboratory and instrumental studies were carried out upon admission of patients to a specialized hospital and in dynamics after intensive care. Research results . According to the Acute Poisoning Center of the State Budgetary Institution of St. Petersburg Research Institute of Emergency Medicine named after I. I. Dzhanelidze, the number of patients with toxic effects of poisonous mushrooms was: 2021–41 admitted (1 fatal outcome); 2022–30 patients (1 fatal outcome); 2023–59 patients. All admitted patients with acute poisoning were in serious condition with disorders of vital organs. Conclusion . The toxic effect of poisonous mushrooms currently occupies one of the leading places among acute poisonings of chemical etiology in terms of the number of adverse outcomes. Timely, full and high-quality provision of medical care at the stage of emergency medical care outside a medical organization has a significant impact on the course and prognosis of the disease. Scientific and practical significance lies in the generalization of modern ideas about the pathogenesis of the toxic effect of poisonous mushrooms, principles of diagnosis and treatment. The materials can be used in clinical guidelines.