Further Inpatient Care
See the list below:
-
Observe the patient closely for at least 6 hours after presentation to evaluate for symptoms and progression.
-
Monitor all patients showing evidence of toxicity for possible seizures, dysrhythmias, or respiratory failure in an ICU setting.
-
Counsel pregnant patients that teratogenic effects from poison hemlock exposure have been reported in livestock.
Transfer
Consider transferring the patient to a facility with a toxicology service.
Deterrence/Prevention
Educate patients about avoiding ingestions of hemlock and other unidentifiable or mistakenly identified plants.
Complications
Complications of hemlock ingestion may include the following:
-
Death (secondary to respiratory failure or status epilepticus)
-
Seizures (status epilepticus)
-
Rhabdomyolysis (renal failure) - Hyperkalemia
-
Coma
-
Aspiration pneumonitis
-
Permanent neurologic sequelae
Prognosis
The prognosis is good if the patient presents early and receives appropriate decontamination and supportive care.
Patient Education
For patient education resources, see the Poisoning Center and Poisoning - First Aid and Emergency Center, as well as Poisoning and Activated Charcoal.
-
Hemlock. Photo by Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database
