Successful treatment of ciguatera fish poisoning with intravenous mannitol.

Abstract

Twenty-four patients with acute ciguatera fish poisoning were treated with intravenous mannitol, and each patient's condition improved dramatically. All exhibited marked lessening of neurologic and muscular dysfunction within minutes of the administration of mannitol. Gastrointestinal symptoms disappeared more slowly. Two patients in coma and one in shock responded within minutes, with full recovery after infusion. Although these observations were empiric and uncontrolled and the mechanism of action of mannitol in this disease is unclear, mannitol should be considered for initial use in patients with significant illness and morbidity from ciguatera fish poisoning.

• Authors: N A Palafox, L G Jain, A Z Pinano, T M Gulick, R K Williams, I J Schatz
• Journal: JAMA (JAMA) Vol. 259 Issue 18 Pg. 2740-2 (May 13 1988) ISSN: 0098-7484 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3128666 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Marine Toxins
• Mannitol

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Animals
• Child
• Ciguatera Poisoning
• Female
• Fishes
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Male
• Mannitol (therapeutic use)
• Marine Toxins (poisoning)
• Micronesia
• Recurrence