Lathyrism: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Lathyrism | |||
| synonyms = Neurolathyrism, Osteolathyrism | |||
| field = [[Neurology]], [[Toxicology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Spasticity]], [[paralysis]] of the lower limbs | |||
| complications = [[Permanent disability]] | |||
| onset = Gradual, after prolonged consumption of certain [[Lathyrus]] species | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = Consumption of [[Lathyrus sativus]] (grass pea) containing [[ODAP]] | |||
| risks = [[Malnutrition]], [[drought]], [[famine]] | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, dietary history | |||
| differential = [[Multiple sclerosis]], [[tropical spastic paraparesis]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of [[Lathyrus sativus]] in diet | |||
| treatment = [[Physical therapy]], [[supportive care]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, often leads to permanent [[disability]] | |||
| frequency = Rare, endemic in certain regions of [[Africa]] and [[Asia]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Lathyrism''' is a neurological disease caused by the consumption of certain legumes from the genus ''[[Lathyrus]]'', particularly the species ''[[Lathyrus sativus]]'' (also known as grass pea, chickling vetch, or Indian pea). The disease is characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia, which results in a stiff and awkward gait. | '''Lathyrism''' is a neurological disease caused by the consumption of certain legumes from the genus ''[[Lathyrus]]'', particularly the species ''[[Lathyrus sativus]]'' (also known as grass pea, chickling vetch, or Indian pea). The disease is characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia, which results in a stiff and awkward gait. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Lathyrism is caused by the ingestion of the neurotoxin [[β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid]] (ODAP), also known as β-L-oxalylamino-L-alanine (BOAA). This compound is found in high concentrations in the seeds of ''Lathyrus sativus'' and other ''Lathyrus'' species. The toxin is resistant to cooking and other forms of food processing. | |||
Lathyrism is caused by the ingestion of the neurotoxin [[ | |||
==Epidemiology== | ==Epidemiology== | ||
Lathyrism is most commonly found in regions where ''Lathyrus sativus'' is a staple food, particularly during times of famine. This includes parts of South Asia, East Africa, and the Mediterranean region. The disease is more prevalent in males, possibly due to their higher consumption of ''Lathyrus'' seeds. | Lathyrism is most commonly found in regions where ''Lathyrus sativus'' is a staple food, particularly during times of famine. This includes parts of South Asia, East Africa, and the Mediterranean region. The disease is more prevalent in males, possibly due to their higher consumption of ''Lathyrus'' seeds. | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
The symptoms of lathyrism typically begin with weakness and stiffness in the legs. This progresses to spastic paraplegia, a condition characterized by increased muscle tone and spasms in the lower limbs. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected limbs. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complete paralysis. | The symptoms of lathyrism typically begin with weakness and stiffness in the legs. This progresses to spastic paraplegia, a condition characterized by increased muscle tone and spasms in the lower limbs. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected limbs. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complete paralysis. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of lathyrism is primarily based on the patient's dietary history and clinical symptoms. Laboratory tests may be used to detect the presence of ODAP in the patient's blood or urine. | Diagnosis of lathyrism is primarily based on the patient's dietary history and clinical symptoms. Laboratory tests may be used to detect the presence of ODAP in the patient's blood or urine. | ||
==Treatment and Prevention== | ==Treatment and Prevention== | ||
There is currently no cure for lathyrism. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing further consumption of ''Lathyrus'' seeds. Physical therapy may be beneficial for improving mobility and reducing muscle stiffness. Prevention strategies include education about the risks of consuming ''Lathyrus'' seeds and promoting alternative food sources. | There is currently no cure for lathyrism. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing further consumption of ''Lathyrus'' seeds. Physical therapy may be beneficial for improving mobility and reducing muscle stiffness. Prevention strategies include education about the risks of consuming ''Lathyrus'' seeds and promoting alternative food sources. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Neurotoxicity]] | * [[Neurotoxicity]] | ||
* [[Foodborne illness]] | * [[Foodborne illness]] | ||
* [[Lathyrus sativus]] | * [[Lathyrus sativus]] | ||
* [[ | * [[β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid]] | ||
[[Category:Neurological disorders]] | [[Category:Neurological disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Foodborne illnesses]] | [[Category:Foodborne illnesses]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:05, 4 April 2025
| Lathyrism | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Neurolathyrism, Osteolathyrism |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Spasticity, paralysis of the lower limbs |
| Complications | Permanent disability |
| Onset | Gradual, after prolonged consumption of certain Lathyrus species |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Consumption of Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) containing ODAP |
| Risks | Malnutrition, drought, famine |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, dietary history |
| Differential diagnosis | Multiple sclerosis, tropical spastic paraparesis |
| Prevention | Avoidance of Lathyrus sativus in diet |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, supportive care |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, often leads to permanent disability |
| Frequency | Rare, endemic in certain regions of Africa and Asia |
| Deaths | N/A |
Lathyrism is a neurological disease caused by the consumption of certain legumes from the genus Lathyrus, particularly the species Lathyrus sativus (also known as grass pea, chickling vetch, or Indian pea). The disease is characterized by progressive spastic paraplegia, which results in a stiff and awkward gait.
Etiology[edit]
Lathyrism is caused by the ingestion of the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), also known as β-L-oxalylamino-L-alanine (BOAA). This compound is found in high concentrations in the seeds of Lathyrus sativus and other Lathyrus species. The toxin is resistant to cooking and other forms of food processing.
Epidemiology[edit]
Lathyrism is most commonly found in regions where Lathyrus sativus is a staple food, particularly during times of famine. This includes parts of South Asia, East Africa, and the Mediterranean region. The disease is more prevalent in males, possibly due to their higher consumption of Lathyrus seeds.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
The symptoms of lathyrism typically begin with weakness and stiffness in the legs. This progresses to spastic paraplegia, a condition characterized by increased muscle tone and spasms in the lower limbs. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, and pain in the affected limbs. In severe cases, the disease can lead to complete paralysis.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of lathyrism is primarily based on the patient's dietary history and clinical symptoms. Laboratory tests may be used to detect the presence of ODAP in the patient's blood or urine.
Treatment and Prevention[edit]
There is currently no cure for lathyrism. Treatment is focused on managing symptoms and preventing further consumption of Lathyrus seeds. Physical therapy may be beneficial for improving mobility and reducing muscle stiffness. Prevention strategies include education about the risks of consuming Lathyrus seeds and promoting alternative food sources.
See Also[edit]

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