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Cassia occidentalis poisoning causes fatal coma in children in western Uttar Pradesh

Vipin M Vashishtha1, Amod Kumar, T Jacob John

  • 1Mangla Hospital, Shakti Chowk, Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh 246 701, India. vmv@manglahospital.org

Indian Pediatrics
|August 9, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cassia occidentalis bean consumption is linked to acute hepato-myo-encephalopathy outbreaks in children. This poisoning caused seasonal illness and high mortality in young children in Uttar Pradesh.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Annual seasonal outbreaks of acute hepato-myo-encephalopathy (HME) have been observed in young children in western Uttar Pradesh.
  • The exact cause of these outbreaks has remained unclear, prompting further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential etiological association between Cassia occidentalis poisoning and seasonal HME outbreaks in children.
  • To establish a causal link between the consumption of Cassia occidentalis beans and the observed HME cases.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective survey was conducted in 2006, focusing on the period of September-October.
  • Researchers visited the homes of 10 consecutive HME cases.
  • Detailed histories were obtained from families, specifically inquiring about the consumption of Cassia beans.

Main Results:

  • Cassia bean consumption was reported in all 10 investigated cases.
  • A significant number of affected children (nine out of ten) died within 4-5 days of symptom onset.
  • The findings indicate a strong correlation between Cassia bean intake and HME.

Conclusions:

  • There is a clear etiological association between the consumption of Cassia occidentalis beans and acute hepato-myo-encephalopathy in children.
  • Cassia occidentalis poisoning is identified as a likely cause of these seasonal outbreaks.
  • Public health awareness and prevention strategies regarding Cassia occidentalis consumption are crucial.

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