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Biomedical subjects

S E Spoerke

Publications and source records attributed to S E Spoerke.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Granuloma formation induced by spines of the cactus, Opuntia acanthocarpa.

Embedded cactus spines may cause immediate pain due to mechanical damage, be a source of infection, or result in foreign body granulomas. The cholla cacti are particularly tenacious in the manner in which the spines stay embedded in the skin. Pulling away from the cactus may result in a portion breaking away from the main plant and embedding other spines. Granuloma formation has been seen with plant material embedded in the dermis. Onset is generally within a few days, and duration may be as long as 9 mo. Treatment is generally best accomplished with a topical corticosteroid. We present a case of granuloma caused by the cactus Opuntia acanthocarpa which persisted for 8 w despite topical treatment with 0.05% fluocinonide.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Toxicity of Cyclamen persium (Mill).

Cyclamen spp contain toxic saponins, although the number of serious exposures is very low. The plant was investigated for toxic and pharmacologic properties in the 1950's and 1960's, but there is little current investigation. Cyclamens have been found both as woodland plants and houseplants in Europe for years, and the plant is becoming increasingly popular in the US. Poison centers should be aware of the potential toxicity of this plant, especially that of the rhizomatous tubers. Additional data on exposures reported to poison centers may be helpful in further defining the toxicity of this plant.

Humans↗
PubMed1979

Three cases of Zigadenus (death camus) poisoning.

Three cases are reported where 1/2-2 bulbs of Zigadenus were ingested. This resulted in vomiting, cramping and nausea, starting within 1-2 hours and lasting 4-5 hours. Both the heart rate and blood pressure were affected, generally, but not consistently, decreased. Atropine, when used for the cardiovascular effects, increased the heart rate, but had minimal action on the blood pressure. There was little toxic effect on respiration, central nervous system, or temperature. The one case of increased temperature was though to be due to an unrelated illness. Treatment of such cases should include emesis (or lavage, if emesis is contraindicated), activated charcoal, and saline cathartic. Symptomatic cases need an iv and possible administration of atropine, a sympathometic and/or a ganglionic blocking agent. Since there is considerable variation in what symptoms will be seen with the different species of Zigadenus, each case must be treated symptomatically; first with good supportive care, then possibly with administration of the above agents.

Adolescent↗