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Respiratory failure in a neonate after folk treatment with broom bush (Retama raetam) extract

Tal Schmid1, Dan Turner, Menachem Oberbaum

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. tal_schmid@hotmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|February 17, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A neonate experienced severe respiratory and central nervous system depression due to folk herbal remedy intoxication. This case highlights the potential dangers of these remedies in pediatric populations and the need for greater awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Herbal Medicine Safety
  • Neonatal Intensive Care

Background:

  • Folk herbal remedies are widely used, but their safety, especially in neonates, is often unverified.
  • Intoxication from herbal products can present with severe clinical manifestations in infants.
  • Limited data exists on the adverse effects of specific folk remedies in the pediatric population.

Observation:

  • A 7-day-old infant presented with respiratory failure and central nervous system depression.
  • Parental disclosure revealed the neonate had consumed a folk herbal remedy.
  • The infant required mechanical ventilation for 24 hours due to the severity of symptoms.

Findings:

  • Folk herbal remedy consumption can lead to critical illness in neonates.
  • Symptoms included respiratory compromise and neurological impairment.
  • Prompt medical intervention, including mechanical ventilation, was necessary for recovery.

Implications:

  • Healthcare providers should consider herbal remedy intoxication in neonates presenting with unexplained symptoms.
  • Educating parents about the potential risks of herbal remedies in infants is crucial.
  • Developing accessible databases for herbal and folk medicine can aid in managing adverse effects and improving patient outcomes.
Abstract

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