Rebound metabolic acidosis following intentional amygdalin supplement overdose. 2020

Rachel M Shively, and Stephen A Harding, and Robert S Hoffman, and Adam D Hill, and Alfredo J Astua, and Alex F Manini
Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.

Introduction: Amygdalin, marketed misleadingly as supplement "Vitamin B17," is a cyanogenic glycoside. When swallowed, it is hydrolyzed into cyanide in the small intestine, which causes histotoxic hypoxia via inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase. It remains available for purchase online despite a ban from the US Food and Drug Administration. We report a case of massive intentional amygdalin overdose resulting in recurrent cyanide toxicity after initial successful antidotal therapy.Case summary: A 33-year-old woman intentionally ingested 20 g of "apricot POWER B17 Amygdalin" supplements. She presented five hours post-ingestion with vital signs: P 127 bpm, BP 112/65 mmHg, RR 25/min, temperature 98.1 °F, and SpO2 98% RA. She was in agitated delirium, diaphoretic, and mydriatic. Her VBG was notable for a pH of 7.27 (rr 7.32-7.42) and lactate 14.1 mmol/L (rr 0.5-2.2), with ECG demonstrating QTc 538 ms (normal <440 ms). She was empirically treated with hydroxocobalamin and supportive care, but worsened clinically, requiring intubation and additional hydroxocobalamin and sodium thiosulfate, which resolved her toxicity. Twelve hours later, she developed recurrent hypotension, acidemia, and QTc prolongation that resolved with repeat hydroxocobalamin and sodium thiosulfate dosing.Discussion: Our case demonstrates rebound metabolic acidosis after massive amygdalin overdose. Toxicity was associated with prolonged QTc, which warrants further investigation into clinical significance. Redosing of combination antidotal therapy suggested efficacy without adverse effects.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008133 Long QT Syndrome A condition that is characterized by episodes of fainting (SYNCOPE) and varying degree of ventricular arrhythmia as indicated by the prolonged QT interval. The inherited forms are caused by mutation of genes encoding cardiac ion channel proteins. The two major forms are ROMANO-WARD SYNDROME and JERVELL-LANGE NIELSEN SYNDROME. Electrocardiogram QT Prolonged
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000138 Acidosis A pathologic condition of acid accumulation or depletion of base in the body. The two main types are RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS and metabolic acidosis, due to metabolic acid build up. Metabolic Acidosis,Acidoses,Acidoses, Metabolic,Acidosis, Metabolic,Metabolic Acidoses
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000678 Amygdalin A cyanogenic glycoside found in the seeds of Rosaceae. Amygdaloside,Mandelonitrile-beta-Gentiobioside,Vitamin B17,Laetrile,Neoamygdalin,Mandelonitrile beta Gentiobioside
D000931 Antidotes Agents counteracting or neutralizing the action of POISONS. Antidote,Theriacs
D013406 Suicide, Attempted The unsuccessful attempt to kill oneself. Parasuicide,Suicide Attempt,Attempt, Suicide,Attempted Suicide,Parasuicides
D019587 Dietary Supplements Products in capsule, tablet or liquid form that provide dietary ingredients, and that are intended to be taken by mouth to increase the intake of nutrients. Dietary supplements can include macronutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and fats; and/or MICRONUTRIENTS, such as VITAMINS; MINERALS; and PHYTOCHEMICALS. Food Supplements,Neutraceuticals,Dietary Supplementations,Food Supplementations,Herbal Supplements,Nutraceuticals,Nutriceuticals,Dietary Supplement,Food Supplement,Herbal Supplement,Neutraceutical,Nutraceutical,Nutriceutical,Supplement, Food,Supplement, Herbal,Supplementations, Dietary,Supplements, Dietary,Supplements, Food,Supplements, Herbal
D062787 Drug Overdose Accidental or deliberate use of a medication or street drug in excess of normal dosage. Drug Overdoses,Overdose, Drug,Overdoses, Drug

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