A digoxin-like immunoreactive substance and atrioventricular block induced by a Chinese medicine "kyushin"

Jpn Circ J. 1989 Sep;53(9):1077-80. doi: 10.1253/jcj.53.1077.

Abstract

The attempted suicide by 2 women with a kyushin overdose is reported. Kyushin caused them to produce a significant elevation of a serum digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (2.35 and 1.84 ng/ml) and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and general malaise. Their blood biochemistry and electrolytes were normal. In one patient, an electrocardiogram revealed a second degree Wenckebach atrioventricular block and T-wave change. Toad venom, a kyushin ingredient, is possibly responsible for the development of these clinical features and electrocardiographic changes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Amphibian Venoms / poisoning
  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • Blood Proteins / immunology
  • Cardenolides
  • Digoxin / analysis*
  • Digoxin / immunology
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / poisoning*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Block / chemically induced*
  • Heart Block / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Saponins*
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Amphibian Venoms
  • Blood Proteins
  • Cardenolides
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Saponins
  • digoxin-like factors
  • Digoxin