Luc de Haro

Publications of Luc de Haro

• [Potential severity of self-poisoning with trimebutine.]

  Authors: Mathieu Glaizal, Véronique Alunni, Jean-Jacques Arzalier, Gérard Page, Yvan Gaillard, Marie-Dominique Piercecchi-Marti, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Luc de Haro

  Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983). 11/2011;

• One collective case of type A foodborne botulism in Corsica.

  Authors: Christophe Oriot, Erwan D'Aranda, Matthias Castanier, Mathieu Glaizal, Claude Galy, Anthony Faivre, Elodie Poisnel, Thank-Kiet Truong, Paul Mercury, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Laurent Papazian, Luc de Haro

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 10/2011; 49(8):752-4.

  Foodborne botulism is rare in 21st century Western Europe. The purpose of this report is to describe a collective case of type A botulism caused by ingestion of artisanal-produced food (canned greenFoodborne botulism is rare in 21st century Western Europe. The purpose of this report is to describe a collective case of type A botulism caused by ingestion of artisanal-produced food (canned green beans and/or salted roast pork). Five of the seven persons who shared the meal presented signs of severe intoxication leading to the fatal respiratory failure in one 18-year-old girl. Three patients required mechanical ventilation for durations ranging from 37 to 78 days and developed severe infectious, respiratory and/or psychiatric complications. In 4 out of the 5 patients, trivalent antitoxin was administered between days 2 and 7 but did not avoid the need for long-term intubation/mechanical ventilation. Treatment with 3,4-diaminopyridine was ineffective in the 26-year-old man who required long-term breathing assistance. This case of collective foodborne botulism illustrates the potential severity of this hazard.

• [Daily use of kohl at the origin of possible lead poisoning].

  Authors: Morgane Kervegant, Mathieu Glaizal, Lucia Tichadou, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Luc de Haro

  Presse médicale (Paris, France : 1983). 09/2011; 41(2):203-4.

• [Uneven efficacy of Viperfav® antivenom for the treatment of neurotoxic viper envenomations].

  Authors: Michel Guiavarch, Marie Médus, Lucia Tichadou, Mathieu Glaizal, Luc de Haro

  Presse médicale (Paris, France : 1983). 03/2011; 40(6):654-6.

• Health impact of unicellular algae of the Ostreopsis genus blooms in the Mediterranean Sea: experience of the French Mediterranean coast surveillance network from 2006 to 2009.

  Authors: Lucia Tichadou, Mathieu Glaizal, Alexis Armengaud, Hubert Grossel, Rodolphe Lemée, Roger Kantin, Jean-Luc Lasalle, Genevève Drouet, Loïc Rambaud, Philippe Malfait, Luc de Haro

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 10/2010; 48(8):839-44.

  Ostreopsis ovata and Ostreopsis siamensis are tropical unicellular algae that have been found recently in the Mediterranean. Both of these dinoflagellates produce palytoxin (PTX)-like toxins that areOstreopsis ovata and Ostreopsis siamensis are tropical unicellular algae that have been found recently in the Mediterranean. Both of these dinoflagellates produce palytoxin (PTX)-like toxins that are powerful vasoconstrictors in mammals. Since 2003, Ostreopsis blooms in Italy and Spain have been accompanied by reports of respiratory problems and skin/mucosa irritation in persons in contact with toxic microalgal cells (epiphytes, plankton, or sea spray) or associated toxins. In France, a surveillance network has been set up to monitor water conditions and to protect swimmers from contamination due to Ostreopsis. Between 2006 and 2009, a total of nine blooms were observed on the French Mediterranean coast including five that led to manifestations in divers, swimmers, and shoreline inhabitants. A total of 47 patients presented symptoms of involving benign or mild skin, mucosal, and/or respiratory irritation that regressed spontaneously without treatment within 12-72 h (4-12 h with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). During the study period, five beaches were temporarily closed. In the Mediterranean, Ostreopsis blooms induce skin and respiratory disorders when human beings are exposed to saltwater with a high concentration of algal cells. However, palytoxin dosages carried out on the food chain (urchins, mussels) indicate that this risk of toxins accumulation in seafood must be taken into account and that the surveillance network should be upgraded accordingly.

• Child cyanide poisoning after ingestion of bitter almonds.

  Authors: Rami Nader, Jean-Claude Mathieu-Daudé, Marc Deveaux, Kristell Faure, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Luc de Haro

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 07/2010; 48(6):574-5.

• Asp Viper (Vipera aspis) Envenomation: Experience of the Marseille Poison Centre from 1996 to 2008.

  Authors: Luc de Haro, Mathieu Glaizal, Lucia Tichadou, Ingrid Blanc-Brisset, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois

  Toxins. 12/2009; 1(2):100-12.

  A retrospective case review study of viper envenomations collected by the Marseille's Poison Centre between 1996 and 2008 was performed. RESULTS: 174 cases were studied (52 grade 1 = G1, 90 G2 and 32A retrospective case review study of viper envenomations collected by the Marseille's Poison Centre between 1996 and 2008 was performed. RESULTS: 174 cases were studied (52 grade 1 = G1, 90 G2 and 32 G3). G1 patients received symptomatic treatments (average hospital stay 0.96 day). One hundred and six (106) of the G2/G3 patients were treated with the antivenom Viperfav* (2.1+/-0.9 days in hospital), while 15 of them received symptomatic treatments only (plus one immediate death) (8.1+/-4 days in hospital, 2 of them died). The hospital stay was significantly reduced in the antivenom treated group (p < 0.001), and none of the 106 antivenom treated patients had immediate (anaphylaxis) or delayed (serum sickness) allergic reactions. CONCLUSION: Viperfav* antivenom was safe and effective for treating asp viper venom-induced toxicity.

• Renal failure after ingestion of Amanita proxima.

  Authors: Patrick Courtin, Michel Gallardo, Aziz Berrouba, Geneviève Drouet, Luc de Haro

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 10/2009;

• Suicide attempt by ingestion of rotenone-containing plant extracts: one case report in French Guiana.

  Authors: Pierre Chesneau, Marc Knibiehly, Lucia Tichadou, Mélanie Calvez, Michel Joubert, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Luc de Haro

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 09/2009;

  Introduction. Several species of plants in the Fabaceae family are traditionally used for poison fishing because they contain ichthyotoxic rotenoids. In French Guiana two species of FabaceaeIntroduction. Several species of plants in the Fabaceae family are traditionally used for poison fishing because they contain ichthyotoxic rotenoids. In French Guiana two species of Fabaceae belonging to Lonchocarpus genus with a toxic rotenone effect are used for such ancestral practices. Rotenone is of low toxicity for humans when it is diluted, but its neurotoxicity at higher concentrations is well known to users. Case report. The purpose of this article is to describe a case of self-poisoning by an 86-year-old woman who ingested a bowl of mashed ichthyotoxic plants. Despite early onset of severe symptoms, the patient regained consciousness and resumed normal breathing within a few hours with only symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. The clinical pattern observed in this patient (onset of digestive manifestations followed quickly by loss of conscience and respiratory insufficiency) is in agreement with the few poisonings reported in the literature involving other Fabaceae species containing rotenoids in Asia or involving concentrated rotenone used in insecticides. In patients, who survive the initial phase, symptoms usually regress quickly.

• Medical consequences of the Asian black hornet (Vespa velutina) invasion in Southwestern France.

  Authors: Luc de Haro, Magali Labadie, Pierre Chanseau, Claudine Cabot, Ingrid Blanc-Brisset, Françoise Penouil

  Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 09/2009;

  The presence of the Asian black hornet Vespa velutina in southwestern France has been confirmed since 2005. The medical literature indicates that in comparison with other Asian hornets' species VespaThe presence of the Asian black hornet Vespa velutina in southwestern France has been confirmed since 2005. The medical literature indicates that in comparison with other Asian hornets' species Vespa velutina is not a major health threat in Asia. A review of data from French poison control centers showed only one envenomation clearly linked to Vespa velutina. The victim developed severe symptoms with neuralgic sequels after being stung 12 times on the head. This case demonstrates that like native French hornet species Vespa velutina can be dangerous for man after multiple stings. The experience of poison control centers in France shows that the increase of this Asian hornet population in the southwestern regions has not been correlated with an increase in the number of hymenoptera stings.

• [Accidental cannabis poisoning in children: experience of the Marseille poison center.]

  Authors: Michel Spadari, Mathieu Glaizal, Lucia Tichadou, Ingrid Blanc, Geneviève Drouet, Isabelle Aymard, Luc de Haro, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Jocelyne Arditti

  Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983). 07/2009;

  OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and severity of accidental cannabis poisoning in children. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases of accidental cannabis poisoning in people aged under 18 yearsOBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and severity of accidental cannabis poisoning in children. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases of accidental cannabis poisoning in people aged under 18 years old, reported to the Marseille poison center from 1993 through 2007. We excluded cases where cannabis was definitively ruled out, and neonatal withdrawal syndromes in newborns from cannabis users. RESULTS: We collected 93 cases, including 56 boys and 37 girls, 86% of whom were younger than 3 years. The principal form was cannabis resin (hashish), reported in 80% of the cases and belonging to one of the parents or a household member. In almost all cases, the poisoning took place at the child's home. The frequency has risen in recent years, with 2/3 of the cases occurred in the second half of the study period. Five serious cases were reported, two with convulsions. CONCLUSION: Considering the observed increase in cases each year, mostly benign but potentially serious, prevention and information efforts have to be improved for drug users with young children and for healthcare professionals led to manage this kind of accident.

• Disulfiram-like syndrome after hydrogen cyanamide professional skin exposure: two case reports in France.

  Authors: Luc de Haro

  Journal of agromedicine. 02/2009; 14(3):382-4.

  Hydrogen cyanamide is a plant growth regulator used in agriculture to induce bud break in fruit trees. Contact with the skin can result in percutaneous absorption of the substance that inhibitsHydrogen cyanamide is a plant growth regulator used in agriculture to induce bud break in fruit trees. Contact with the skin can result in percutaneous absorption of the substance that inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase and can induce acetaldehyde syndrome in case of alcohol use. The purpose of this report is to describe two cases of a disulfiram-like syndrome following occupational exposure to hydrogen cyanamide. The first case involved a 59-year-old man who used Dormex, which contains hydrogen cyanamide, without protection after consuming a large amount of alcohol during a meal. In less than 1 hour after the ingestion of alcohol, he developed malaise with flushing of the face, tachycardia, and dyspnea. Manifestations regressed spontaneously under surveillance in the hospital. The second case occurred in a 55-year-old farmer following cutaneous contact with Dormex. Five hours after exposure, he developed disulfiram-like syndrome with flushing, tachycardia, and arterial hypotension after consuming three glasses of wine. The patient recovered spontaneously in 3 hours under surveillance in the hospital. These cases confirm the necessity of avoiding alcohol consumption as recommended in the instructions for use of Dormex and of preventing cutaneous contact during use.

• Bites and stings by exotic pets in Europe: An 11 year analysis of 404 cases from Northeastern Germany and Southeastern France.

  Authors: Andreas Schaper, Herbert Desel, Martin Ebbecke, Luc de Haro, Michael Deters, Helmut Hentschel, Maren Hermanns-Clausen, Claus Langer

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 05/2008;

  Introduction. The presence of exotic, and sometimes venomous, pets in European homes is becoming more common. This phenomenon is the basis of a French-German cooperative evaluation of the speciesIntroduction. The presence of exotic, and sometimes venomous, pets in European homes is becoming more common. This phenomenon is the basis of a French-German cooperative evaluation of the species causing the injuries and the circumstances, severity, and treatment of the envenomations Methods. A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, case series of data from 1996 to 2006. The study sample consists of all cases of bites and stings by exotic pets that were registered at four poisons European poisons centers. The inclusion criteria were bites and stings of human beings. Results. From 1996 to 2006 four poisons centers in Europe were consulted on 404 bites and stings by exotic pets. The average age of the patients was 36 (2 to 75) years and 73% of the patients were male. The severity of the envenomations, according to the Poisoning Severity Score, was as follows: 29 severe (7.1%), 55 moderate (14.2%) and 320 minor (78.7%). There were no fatalities in this case series. Exotic snakebites from rattlesnakes, cobras, mambas, and other venomous snakes caused 39% of envenomations, aquatic animals (mostly lionfish of the Pterois genus and stingrays) caused 30% of envenomations and arthropods (tarantulas and scorpions) caused 27% of envenomations. All severe envenomations were caused by venomous snakes. Conclusions. European healthcare professionals may encounter patients bitten or stung by exotic pets. Poisons center consultation can help manage these unusual presentations and help obtain rarely used antivenoms.

• Envenomation by Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) with cranial nerve disturbances.

  Authors: Philip Pommier, Luc de Haro

  Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 12/2007; 50(6):868-9.

  The Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) is an opisthoglyphous snake rarely implicated in human envenomation because the anatomy of its venom apparatus is generally unsuitable for venomThe Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) is an opisthoglyphous snake rarely implicated in human envenomation because the anatomy of its venom apparatus is generally unsuitable for venom delivery to large mammals. The authors report one case of human envenomation by the Montpellier snake in Southern France. Envenomation occurred under exceptional circumstances (finger of patient inserted deeply into the mouth of the reptile). The clinical picture was dominated by neurological symptoms (ptosis, oculomotor paralysis). The patient recovered in 6 days with symptomatic treatment.

• Chelonitoxism: new case reports in French Polynesia and review of the literature.

  Authors: Agnès Fussy, Philip Pommier, Catherine Lumbroso, Luc de Haro

  Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 06/2007; 49(6):827-32.

  Eating the flesh of some marine turtles can cause a type of seafood poisoning called chelonitoxism. The purpose of this article is to report a new case of mass poisoning caused by consumption of seaEating the flesh of some marine turtles can cause a type of seafood poisoning called chelonitoxism. The purpose of this article is to report a new case of mass poisoning caused by consumption of sea turtle flesh in French Polynesia. The episode involved 19 members of the same family. Three persons required hospitalization after consuming two consecutive meals including turtle flesh. One 26-year-old woman who was pregnant at 14 weeks of amenorrhea lapsed into a coma and died due to multiorgan failure on the third day after the meal. This case confirms the potential severity of chelonitoxism as reported in several series in the literature showing high mortality rates. The causative toxins are currently unidentified. Further study is needed to better understand chelonitoxism.

• [Steatoda spider envenomation in southern France]

  Authors: Philip Pommier, Christine Rollard, Luc de Haro

  Presse médicale (Paris, France : 1983). 01/2007; 35(12 Pt 1):1825-7.

  INTRODUCTION: Cobweb spiders (genus Steatoda) are small species closely related to black widow spiders and their bites can induce envenomation known as steatodism. CASE: A 46-year-old man in the GardINTRODUCTION: Cobweb spiders (genus Steatoda) are small species closely related to black widow spiders and their bites can induce envenomation known as steatodism. CASE: A 46-year-old man in the Gard district in southern France was sleeping in his bed when a spider (identification Steatoda triangulosa) bit him. Clinical manifestations included local signs together with systemic neurological symptoms resembling low-grade latrodectism (black widow envenomation). DISCUSSION: This first-recorded case of steatodism in southern France differs in several ways from the classic pattern of latrodectism in Europe: the bite occurred in home during winter and mild symptoms resolved quickly without hospital care. CONCLUSION: In endemic areas (in France the Mediterranean climate zone: Provence, Languedoc and Corsica), steatodism should be considered when low-grade latrodectism is observed.

• Hallucinatory fish poisoning (ichthyoallyeinotoxism): two case reports from the Western Mediterranean and literature review.

  Authors: Luc de Haro, Philip Pommier

  Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.). 02/2006; 44(2):185-8.

  Ichthyoallyeinotoxism is a rare kind of food poisoning contracted following the ingestion of fish. The responsible toxins are unknown, and the clinical feature is characterized by the development ofIchthyoallyeinotoxism is a rare kind of food poisoning contracted following the ingestion of fish. The responsible toxins are unknown, and the clinical feature is characterized by the development of CNS disturbances, especially hallucinations and nightmares. As the implicated fish species may be also related to ciguatera poisoning, there may be possible confusion between the two fish-borne intoxications. In order to clarify this, the literature pertaining to "dreamfish" was reviewed and two cases are presented. A 40-year-old man experienced mild digestive troubles and terrifying visual and auditory hallucinations after eating a specimen of Sarpa salpa in a restaurant. As he had severe behaviour troubles, he was managed in the hospital and recovered 36 h after the meal. He was unable to recall the hallucinatory period. Another man, 90-years-old and previously healthy, had auditory hallucinations 2 h after eating a specimen of Sarpa salpa. The two following nights, he had numerous nightmares and recovered spontaneously after a period of 3 days.

• Envenomation by Amazonian freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro: 2 cases reported in Europe.

  Authors: Ingrid Blanc-Brisset, Andreas Schaper, Philip Pommier, Luc de Haro

  Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 02/2006; 47(1):32-4.

  Freshwater stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus are regarded by native people in the Amazonia as dangerous fishes responsible of frequent stings. Small freshwater stingrays are imported to Europe andFreshwater stingrays of the Potamotrygon genus are regarded by native people in the Amazonia as dangerous fishes responsible of frequent stings. Small freshwater stingrays are imported to Europe and sold as aquarium fish because they are easy to keep captive. The purpose of this report is to describe two new cases involving envenomation by freshwater stingray. One patient was an experienced 45-year-old French hobbyist. The second patient was a 35-year-old German pet store assistant. The clinical picture in both cases featured severe local pain with minimal systemic manifestations. Both patients recovered fully after symptomatic treatment. These two cases of envenomation call attention to the potential for injury among persons in close contact with venomous pets.

• Poisoning by Coriaria myrtifolia Linnaeus: a new case report and review of the literature.

  Authors: Luc de Haro, Philip Pommier, Lucia Tichadou, Maryvonne Hayek-Lanthois, Jocelyne Arditti

  Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 12/2005; 46(6):600-3.

  Coriaria myrtifolia should be recognized as one of the most neurotoxic plants in western Mediterranean area. This shrub produces a toxin, coriamyrtin, that is present in high concentrations in theCoriaria myrtifolia should be recognized as one of the most neurotoxic plants in western Mediterranean area. This shrub produces a toxin, coriamyrtin, that is present in high concentrations in the berries. Ingestion of few fruits similar to blackberries may induce digestive and neurological manifestations including seizures, coma and apnea. The authors present a new case report that took place in the French Catalonia: an 8 year-old boy developed vomiting and generalized recurrent convulsions after ingestion of C. myrtifolia berries. He needed repeated diazepam administrations and was managed in the hospital. He recovered after one day of benzodiazepine treatment. In order to evaluate the consequences of C. myrtifolia poisoning, 83 cases of the literature were analyzed: the cases occurred in three countries (Spain, France and Morocco); the mean delay of the symptom development was 150 min; the neurological disturbances were the most frequent signs and 11 patients died (6 children, 5 adults) mainly in old reports.

• [Spider bites: araneidism of medical importance]

  Authors: Philip Pommier, Christine Rollard, Luc de Haro

  Presse médicale (Paris, France : 1983). 02/2005; 34(1):49-56.

  LIMITED RISKS: Although most species of spiders are venomous, only ten or so are able to induce human envenomations. From a systematic point of view, it is possible to distinguish the araneomorphLIMITED RISKS: Although most species of spiders are venomous, only ten or so are able to induce human envenomations. From a systematic point of view, it is possible to distinguish the araneomorph spiders - or "true" spiders - from the mygalomorph spiders. Dangerous species for humans can be found in both groups. Regarding "true' spiders, two kinds of envenomation are frequent, ubiquitous and potentially severe: latrodectism (neurotoxic symptomatology) due to the Widow spiders of the Latrodectus species,and loxoscelism (viscero-cutaneous symptomatology). Regarding the mygalomorph spiders, the Australian species responsible for atraxism (neurotoxic symptomatology) are considered as the most dangerous. Most of the other mygalomorph spiders, when they bite, only provoke benign loco regional problems. A supplementary defensive weapon exists in certain South-American species: urticating hairs which may induce severe ocular damage.