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Weight loss supplement causing acute heart block in a child

Part of: Electrophysiology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 January 2020

Daniel R. O’Brien Open the ORCID record for Daniel R. O’Brien [Opens in a new window] ,
Vivian Szymczuk  and
Cecilia A. Albaro
Daniel R. O’Brien*
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL, USA
Vivian Szymczuk
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL, USA
Cecilia A. Albaro
Affiliation:
Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, IL, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Daniel R. O’Brien, OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, 530 NE Ave, Peoria, IL61604, USA. Tel: +1 309-655-3863; E-mail: daniel.obrien04@gmail.com
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Abstract

A 16-year-old male was admitted to the paediatric ICU with acute onset of vomiting, somnolence, and chest pain, and electrocardiogram showing 2nd degree heart block after ingesting an Aleurites moluccana (Candlenut) seed as a herbal weight loss supplement. Electrocardiogram showed progressively worsening heart block with down-sloping of the ST segments, resembling digoxin toxicity. After 2 days of ICU observation, his symptoms began to improve and eventually resolved. The side effects of herbal supplements are often unknown but by analysing cases such as these, physicians can develop a better understanding of these substances to help guide management.

Keywords

Candlenutherbal supplementheart block
Type
Brief Report
Information
Cardiology in the Young , Volume 30 , Issue 1 , January 2020 , pp. 131 - 133
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2020

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References

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