ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH FRESH-WATER FISH TOXIN

Clinical observations on toxicity after ingestion of gall bladder of L abeo rohita, a freshwater fish found commonly in India, were recorded from 22 patients between 1985 to 1990. The gall bladder in raw, cooked or desiccated form was swallowed as a traditional method of treatment for various chronic diseases. Patients generally presented with gastr ointestinal symptoms such as cramping pain, nausea and vomiting within 12 hours (mean 4.6 +/- 3.7 hours) after ingestion. Subsequently renal failure was observed in all and hepatic dysfunction in some (36.3%) p atients. The outcome in general is good. From the clinical course the role of toxic substance(s) is presumed as the causative factor(s), whi ch needs further evaluation.