Epidemic dropsy
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Epidemic dropsy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Edema, dyspnea, gastrointestinal disturbances, glaucoma, cardiac failure |
| Complications | Heart failure, respiratory distress |
| Onset | Acute |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Consumption of adulterated mustard oil |
| Risks | Contaminated food supply |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, history of exposure |
| Differential diagnosis | Beriberi, nephrotic syndrome, congestive heart failure |
| Prevention | Avoidance of contaminated oil |
| Treatment | Supportive care, diuretics, antihistamines, steroids |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, can be severe |
| Frequency | Rare, associated with outbreaks |
| Deaths | N/A |
Epidemic dropsy is a clinical syndrome that occurs after the consumption of adulterated mustard oil contaminated with Argemone mexicana seeds. The disease is characterized by bilateral pitting edema, ascites, breathlessness, and cardiac failure.
Etiology[edit | edit source]
The disease is caused by the consumption of mustard oil adulterated with seeds of Argemone mexicana. The toxic principle is sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine, which are benzophenanthridine alkaloids present in the seeds and plant of Argemone mexicana.
Clinical Features[edit | edit source]
The clinical features of epidemic dropsy include bilateral pitting edema, ascites, breathlessness, and cardiac failure. Other symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of epidemic dropsy is based on the clinical features and history of consumption of adulterated mustard oil. Laboratory investigations may show anemia, leukocytosis, and increased serum creatinine and urea levels.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment of epidemic dropsy is mainly supportive and symptomatic. Diuretics are used to reduce edema and ascites. Cardiac failure is managed with digitalis and other cardiac drugs. Antibiotics are given for secondary infections.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of epidemic dropsy involves the regulation of the sale of mustard oil and the detection and removal of Argemone mexicana seeds from mustard seeds.
Images[edit | edit source]
Argemone mexicana flower
Brassica juncea
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
