Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Musa Alfaifi, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad Elgari, Rawan 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 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, Paediatric, Blister beetle, Case report, Saudi Arabia
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
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari D, Alshahrani R. Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed. Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari D, Alshahrani R. Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. https://sjemed.com/?mno=187986 [Access: May 13, 2024]. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari D, Alshahrani R. Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed. Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi M, Aldweikh E, Alshahrani O, Elgari D, Alshahrani R. Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed, [cited May 13, 2024]; Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, M., Aldweikh, . E., Alshahrani, . O., Elgari, . D. & Alshahrani, . R. (2024) Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. SJEMed, Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad Elgari, and Rawan Alshahrani. 2024. Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad Elgari, and Rawan Alshahrani. "Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, Musa, Eman Aldweikh, Ohood Alshahrani, Daad Elgari, and Rawan Alshahrani. "Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia." Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024 doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286
Alfaifi, M., Aldweikh, . E., Alshahrani, . O., Elgari, . D. & Alshahrani, . R. (2024) Children's Ingestion of Blister Beetles Causing Cantharidin Poisoning : Two pediatric cases in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Emergency Medicine, Online First: 16 Apr, 2024. doi:
10.24911/SJEMed.72-1706182286