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Rare Jatropha multifida intoxication in two children
1Department of Pediatric Medicine, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.
Insights
Jatropha multifida fruit ingestion in children can cause severe toxicity, including vomiting and dehydration. Prompt fluid and electrolyte replacement is crucial for preventing fatalities from this plant poisoning.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Jatropha multifida is an ornamental plant whose fruit is attractive to children.
- Ingestion of Jatropha species can lead to severe poisoning due to the presence of toxalbumin ricin.
Observation:
- Two children presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with obtundation and intractable vomiting after ingesting Jatropha multifida fruit.
- Clinical presentation included dehydration, requiring intravenous fluid replacement and urine alkalinization.
Findings:
- The children experienced a subclinical rise in liver enzymes during their hospital stay.
- Jatropha multifida contains ricin, a toxin causing gastrointestinal distress, dehydration, shock, and potential renal and hepatic impairment.
Implications:
- Immediate fluid and electrolyte replacement is critical for managing Jatropha multifida poisoning in children.
- Awareness of Jatropha toxicity is essential for healthcare providers, especially in pediatric emergency settings.
Abstract:
Two children were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) after ingesting a large amount of fruit of a plant identified as Jatropha multifida. They were mildly obtunded, had intractable vomiting, and seemed dehydrated. Intravenous fluid replacement and urine alkalinization were initiated. After stabilization, their 5-day hospital stays were uneventful except for a subclinical rise of liver enzymes. Jatropha species contain the toxalbumin ricin, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, shock, and renal and hepatic impairment. Ricin also has cardiotoxic and hemolytic effects and several deaths have been documented. Children are attracted by the shape and the color of the Jatropha fruits. Mortality can be prevented by immediate fluid and electrolyte replacement.