Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia
Authors:
Musa Alfaifi,
Eman Aldweikh,
Ohood Alshahrani,
Daad I Elgari,
Rawan S Alshahrani
Background: Cantharidin, a toxic substance produced by Meloidae (Coleoptera family) beetles, poses serious health risks upon ingestion, including renal impairment, hematemesis, altered consciousness, electrolyte imbalances, and hematuria. Case Report: This study presents two pediatric cases of cantharidin poisoning resulting from the biting of Meloid beetles. Case 1 involved a 2-year-old exhibiting hematuria and vomiting, while case 2, a 9-month old, presented with agitation, lethargy, and hematuria. Both cases required intensive care and supportive management. Conclusion: These cases highlight the clinical manifestations of cantharidin intoxication in children following exposure to Meloid beetles. Early recognition of symptoms, prompt medical intervention, and close monitoring are crucial in managing cantharidin poisoning, for which no specific antidote currently exists.
Keywords: Cantharidin, intoxication, meloidae, blister beetle, case report.
Authors
Correspondence to:
Eman Aldweikh, Clinical Research Specialist- King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Emanaldweikh@hotmail.com
Publication history:
Received 29 Jan 2024
Accepted 04 Mar 2024
Published online 16 Apr 2024
Published in print 22 Sep 2024
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari DI, Alshahrani RS. Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed. 2024; 5(3): 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari DI, Alshahrani RS. Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. https://sjemed.com/?mno=187986 [Access: October 14, 2024]. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari DI, Alshahrani RS. Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed. 2024; 5(3): 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari DI, Alshahrani RS. Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed. (2024), [cited October 14, 2024]; 5(3): 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, M., Aldweikh, . E., Alshahrani, . O., Elgari, . D. I. & Alshahrani, . R. S. (2024) Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed, 5 (3), 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad I. Elgari, and Rawan S. Alshahrani. 2024. Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, 5 (3), 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad I. Elgari, and Rawan S. Alshahrani. "Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine 5 (2024), 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad I. Elgari, and Rawan S. Alshahrani. "Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine 5.3 (2024), 250-252. Print. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, M., Aldweikh, . E., Alshahrani, . O., Elgari, . D. I. & Alshahrani, . R. S. (2024) Children’s ingestion of blister beetles causing cantharidin poisoning: two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, 5 (3), 250-252. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286