Chemokines and inflammatory diseases

Intoxication after ingestion of toad is rare, but it results in severe morbidity and high mortality. Recently, we encountered 2 children, one a 15-month-old boy and one a 20-month-old girl, who were fed cooked toad (Bufo melanostictus) soup. The boy expired of ventricular fibrillation. The girl presented with varying degrees of A-V block with congestive heart failure which, however, was completely resolved after intensive treatment. In our experience, early identification and intervention are necessary to decrease absorption of toxins; to correct hyperkalemia. Dysrhythmia should be treated with atropine, antiarrhythmic agents, and a temporary pacemaker, in order to avoid lethal results.