An unusual case of Butcher's Broom precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis.
- 2013-09
- The Journal of emergency medicine 45(3)
- Praveen P Sadarmin
- Jonathan Timperley
- PubMed: 23849361
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.11.087
Study Design
- Type
- Case Report
- Population
- a 39-year-old woman with diabetes
- Methods
- Case report
- Duration
- 5 days
- Funding
- Unclear
Background
Herbal medicines are readily available and commonly perceived to be relatively harmless. Butcher's Broom is used in various medicinal preparations and contains substances having α-adrenergic-stimulating properties.Objective
Our aim was to report a case of toxicity associated with Butcher's Broom in a diabetic patient.Case report
A 39-year-old woman developed diabetic ketoacidosis 5 days after beginning therapy with Butcher's Broom for mild ankle swelling. Her diabetic ketoacidosis was complicated by hyperkalemia and acidosis with a pH of 7.02. After management with intravenous fluid, insulin, and calcium gluconate, her condition stabilized and she was discharged several days later.Conclusions
This case represents a small but potentially serious public health concern in a diabetic woman taking Butcher's Broom.Research Insights
Her diabetic ketoacidosis was complicated by hyperkalemia and acidosis with a pH of 7.02.
- Effect
- Harmful
- Effect size
- Large
A 39-year-old woman developed diabetic ketoacidosis 5 days after beginning therapy with Butcher's Broom for mild ankle swelling.
- Effect
- Harmful
- Effect size
- Large
Her diabetic ketoacidosis was complicated by hyperkalemia and acidosis with a pH of 7.02.
- Effect
- Harmful
- Effect size
- Large