Adverse reaction to a Chinese herbal remedy

Journal/Book: Med-J-Aust 157 (7), 484-486. 1992;

Abstract: Objective: To report a multisystem illness in a patient after ingestionof Chinese herbal medicines, together with an analysis of the herbalmedicine and to alert physicians to the growing clinical importance ofadverse reactions to herbal remedies. Clinical features: A 61-year-oldChinese Vietnamese man with a history of atrial fibrillation and leftcerebral hemisphere infarction three months previously presented after athree-day illness with acute hepatorenal failure, multiple pulmonaryemboli, peripheral arterial thromboembolism and laboratory features ofconsumptive coagulopathy. For three days before presentation, he drank adaily infusion of herbal medicine. Intervention: Intensive supportivemedical care including haemodiafiltration resulted in recovery of renalfunction, liver function and return of coagulation parameters to normalover a one-month period. Toxicological analysis of an infusion preparedfrom a sample of the patient's herbal medicine revealed the potentiallytoxic compounds benzaldehyde, cinnamoyl alcohol and ephedrine.Conclusion: The ingestion of herbal medicine caused or contributed tothe patient's illness.

Keyword(s): medical:traditional-medicine

Zurück | Weiter