Zeitschrift für Gesundheit und medizinische Informatik

Cyanide Poisoning in a Children Caused by Apricot Seeds

Abstract

Sabiha Sahin *

Childhood exposure to cyanide is rare despite multiple potential sources including inhalation, dermal absorption or ingestion of cyanogenic foods [1]. Cyanogenetic glycosides, naturally occurring compounds, are found in foods such as apricot, almond, and cassava. The most significant of these compounds is amygdalin. Unlike western world, cyanide poisoning in children in developing countries is mainly related to ingestion of foods containing amygdalin. In Turkey, apricot seeds are the most common food causing to acute cyanide poisoning in children [2]. Because of its infrequent occurrence, pediatricians might have difficulty recognizing cyanide poisoning, confirming its presence, and treating it. Here, we report a fatal cyanide poisoning case caused by apricot seed ingestion.