Treatment of a mild chronic case of ciguatera fish poisoning with intravenous mannitol, a case study.

Abstract

This article describes a recent case of ciguatera poisoning treated with intravenous mannitol. Mannitol has been used with good effect in non-controlled studies in acutely severely poisoned patients, but is not described in the treatment of chronic or milder poisoning. Our patient was a 35-year-old Niuean man who had eaten a ciguatoxic fish two weeks previously. His symptoms were not severe but were very unpleasant and restricted his ability to work. He was given a single dose of mannitol (0.66g/kg) as an intravenous infusion over two hours. His symptoms dramatically improved within 24 hours, and within a few days he felt virtually back to his former self. He experienced no side effects to the mannitol. It is suggested that intravenous mannitol may prove to be a useful treatment for mild to moderate ciguatera poisoning, and for patients who present late for treatment.

• Authors: Gary Mitchell
• Journal: Pacific health dialog (Pac Health Dialog) Vol. 12 Issue 1 Pg. 155-7 (Mar 2005) ISSN: 1015-7867 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 18181482 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Diuretics, Osmotic
• Mannitol

Topics

• Adult
• Ciguatera Poisoning (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Diuretics, Osmotic (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Mannitol (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Outcome Assessment, Health Care