ACKEE FRUIT TOXICITY

Course overview

INGESTION OF UNRIPE ACKEE FRUIT MAY RESULT IN THE METABOLIC SYNDROME KNOWN AS "JAMAICAN VOMITING SICKNESS." CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS MAY INCLUDE PROFUSE VOMITING, ALTERED MENTAL STATUS, AND HYPOGLYCEMIA. SEVERE CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO CAUSE SEIZURES, HYPOTHERMIA, COMA, AND DEATH. MEDICAL TREATMENT IS PRIMARILY SUPPORTIVE CARE WITH INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS AND DEXTROSE. THIS ACTIVITY REVIEWS THE EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ACKEE FRUIT TOXICITY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN PROVIDING OPTIMAL CARE TO PATIENTS EFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.