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Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 2006-.
Drug Levels and Effects
Summary of Use during Lactation
Chelonitoxism is caused by eating sea turtle meat contaminated with chelonitoxins, which are thought to accumulate from the environment without affecting the turtle. Initially, gastrointestinal symptoms occur, followed by neurologic, hepatic and renal toxicity. Breastfed infants have been affected by maternal poisoning, including some deaths. Mothers suspected of having chelonitoxin poisoning should not breastfeed until they have recovered.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects in Breastfed Infants
One poisoning incident occurred after ingestion of hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata , at a family gathering on a remote island in Micronesia. Two adults and 4 children aged 2 to 4 years died from the poisoning before reaching the hospital. Two of the four infants who died were breastfed after maternal ingestion, one had received only breastmilk and another who had also been given a small amount of turtle meat.[1]
Another cluster of poisonings from eating meat from the same species of sea turtle occurred in western Madagascar and affected 76 victims. Seven lactating women and their 7 infants were poisoned. None of the mothers died, but 4 of the infants died, including 1 who was exclusively breastfed. Infant symptoms consisted of hypotonia, dyspnea and coma. Five of the mothers had discontinued nursing their infants because of symptoms, but 2 of their infants died despite this precaution. There are several other reports of breastfed infant deaths in the literature.[2]
Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
References
- 1.
- Kirschner RI, Jacobitz KL. Multiple fatalities following ingestion of sea turtle meat. Clin Toxicol 2011;49:571. Abstract #169. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2011.598695. [CrossRef]
- 2.
- Rasamimanana NG, Randrianandrasana JC, Andrianarimanana KD, et al. Chelonitoxism in breast-fed child: Cases in Mahajanga, Madagascar. Med Sante Trop. 2017;27:329–32. [PubMed: 28947412]
Substance Identification
Substance Name
Chelonitoxin Poisoning
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.
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- Chelonitoxism in breast-fed child: cases in Mahajanga, Madagascar.[Med Sante Trop. 2017]Chelonitoxism in breast-fed child: cases in Mahajanga, Madagascar.Rasamimanana NG, Randrianandrasana JC, Andrianarimanana KD, Rabesandratana H, Raveloson NE, Ralison A. Med Sante Trop. 2017 Aug 1; 27(3):329-332.
- Chelonitoxism in Andaman and Nicobar Island: A report on mass poisoning including a death of an adult.[Toxicon. 2016]Chelonitoxism in Andaman and Nicobar Island: A report on mass poisoning including a death of an adult.Singh SS, Biswas AK, Shirley P, Vijayachari P. Toxicon. 2016 Aug; 118:61-3. Epub 2016 Apr 19.
- Food-poisoning outbreak and fatality following ingestion of sea turtle meat in the rural community of Ndrondroni, Mohéli Island, Comoros, December 2012.[Toxicon. 2016]Food-poisoning outbreak and fatality following ingestion of sea turtle meat in the rural community of Ndrondroni, Mohéli Island, Comoros, December 2012.Ben Ali Mbaé S, Mlindassé M, Mihidjaé S, Seyler T. Toxicon. 2016 Sep 15; 120:38-41. Epub 2016 Jul 22.
- Review Chelonitoxism: new case reports in French Polynesia and review of the literature.[Toxicon. 2007]Review Chelonitoxism: new case reports in French Polynesia and review of the literature.Fussy A, Pommier P, Lumbroso C, de Haro L. Toxicon. 2007 May; 49(6):827-32. Epub 2006 Dec 19.
- Review Ciguatera Poisoning.[Drugs and Lactation Database (...]Review Ciguatera Poisoning.. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). 2006
- Chelonitoxin Poisoning - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)Chelonitoxin Poisoning - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®)
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