Adrenergic beta-agonist intoxication.

Authors

  • Paulo Carrola Serviço de Medicina II, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra.
  • Nuno Devesa
  • José Manuel Silva
  • Fernando Ramos
  • Mário B Alexandrino
  • José J Moura

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.1182

Abstract

The authors describe two clinical cases (father and daughter), observed in the Hospital Urgency with distal tremors, anxiety, palpitations, nausea, headaches and dizziness, two hours after ingestión of cow liver. They also had leucocytosis (with neutrophylia), hypokalemia and hyperglycaemia. After treatment with potassium i.v. and propranolol, the symptoms disappeared. The symptoms recurred at home because the patients didn't take the prescribed medication and persisted for five days, with spontaneous disappearance. The serum of both patients revealed the presence of clenbuterol (65 hg/ml - father and 58 hg/ml - daughter). The animal's liver had a concentration of 1,42 mg/kg. Clenbuterol is a ß-adrenergic agonist with low specificity, with some veterinary indications. However, this substance has been illegally used as a growth's promotor. We intend to alert doctors for this problem, particularly those that work in the Urgency.

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How to Cite

1.
Carrola P, Devesa N, Silva JM, Ramos F, Alexandrino MB, Moura JJ. Adrenergic beta-agonist intoxication. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 2003 Aug. 31 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];16(4):275-8. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/1182

Issue

Section

Arquivo Histórico