Increasing incidence of mycotoxicosis in South-Eastern Germany: a comprehensive analysis of mushroom poisonings at a University Medical Center

Background: Mushrooms, an integral component of human diets, range from esteemed delicacies to potentially lethal toxins. The risk of severe poisoning from misidentified species, poses a significant challenge. For clinicians, recognizing mushroom poisoning amidst nonspecific symptoms and determining the specific mushroom ingested are critical yet complex tasks. Additionally, climate change affects the distribution and proliferation of mushroom species, potentially heightening the risk of exposure to toxic varieties. The identification of mushroom intoxication is critical for appropriate treatment. Poisoning with highly toxic species, such as Amanita phalloides (death cap), can result in acute liver and kidney failure. Considering the limited therapeutic options currently available for acute liver failure, we investigated the application of plasmapheresis, a procedure involving the replacement of the patient's plasma with donor plasma, as a potential intervention to improve clinical outcomes in severe cases of mushroom poisoning.

Methods: This study aimed to assess the trends and treatment outcomes of mushroom poisoning cases from 2005 to 2022, with a particular focus on the number of incidents and the potential impacts of climate change. We undertook a retrospective monocentric cohort study, evaluating 43 patients with mushroom poisoning. The study focused on identifying the variety of mushrooms involved, including psychotropic, spoiled, inedible, or toxic species, and closely examined patients with elevated transaminases indicative for liver damage. To assess clinical outcomes, we evaluated several aspects, including hepatic encephalopathy and other symptoms. Additionally, we monitored blood analysis results through serial measurements, including transaminases, bilirubin, INR, and creatinine levels. Furthermore, we explored the impact of climate changes on the incidence of mushroom poisoning.

Results: While the incidence of mushroom poisonings remained relatively stable during the first eight years of the study period, it nearly doubled over the past nine years. Nine distinct mushroom types were documented. The study showed no change in season patterns of mushroom poisonings. In cases of severe liver damage accompanied by coagulopathy, plasmapheresis was utilized to replace deficient clotting factors and mitigate the inflammatory response. This intervention proved effective in stabilizing coagulation parameters, such as the international normalized ratio (INR) Plasmapheresis was performed until the INR reached stable levels, preventing the occurrence of severe bleeding complications. In instances where liver failure was deemed irreversible, plasmapheresis functioned as a bridging therapy to manage bleeding risks and to stabilize the patient while awaiting liver transplantation.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals regarding mushroom poisoning and emphasize the importance of considering climate change as a factor that may alter mushroom distribution and toxicity. Additionally, this study highlights the potential of plasmapheresis in managing severe cases.