Epidemic dropsy in New Delhi

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Abstract
Forty-five cases of epidemic dropsy were studied from an epidemic in New Delhi. Argemone oil contamination was found in the mustard oil used for cooking. Sanguinarine was detected in the eight urine samples collected within 2–3 weeks of onset of dropsy and its concentration ranged from 0.4 to 3.6 mug/100 ml. Three of the 18 sera were positive for sanguinarine, the concentration being 1.2, 1.6 and 3.6 mug/100 ml. The clinical manifestations and epidemiological factors were studied. Edema of the legs was the most consistent clinical finding, and was present in all the patients. In contrast to the earlier epidemics, three striking features were pigmentation in 33%, hair loss in 77.7% and nontender hepatomegaly in 24.4% of cases. A follow-up of 10 months showed almost complete recovery in all.

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