Patients may develop neurotoxic symptoms and/or nephrotoxicity if they eat the star fruit.
Name: Averrhoa carambola (family Oxalidaceae)
Distribution: gorwn in the tropics and subtropics but available worldwide
Toxic compounds:
(1) oxalic acid
(2) unidentified neurotoxin that inhibits GABA binding at synaptic membranes
Clinical features:
(1) hiccups or vomiting
(2) seizures including status epilepticus
(3) confusion
(4) agitation
(5) ophthalmoplegia
(6) aphasia
(7) deterioration in renal function (associated with the oxalic acid load)
(8) coma
Risk factors for toxic reaction:
(1) moderate to severe renal impairment
(2) large intake of star fruit
(3) sour star fruit juice
(4) dehydration
Renal replacement therapy can be life-saving.
The presence of seizures or coma are poor prognostic findings.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Toxicology, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
ICD-10: ,
