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Philodendron--an infant death
M S McIntire1, J R Guest, J F Porterfield
1Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1990
Insights
Philodendron plant ingestion caused severe esophageal lesions and dysphagia in an infant. The esophageal damage led to vagotonia and unexpected sudden death.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Plant Toxicology
Background:
- Philodendron species (Araceae family) contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
- Ingestion of toxic plants can lead to severe gastrointestinal and systemic complications in children.
- Oropharyngeal and esophageal injuries are known complications of certain plant ingestions.
Observation:
- An 11-month-old infant experienced oropharyngeal erosions and dysphagia after chewing Philodendron leaves.
- Esophageal erosions and a cricoid-level esophageal stricture were diagnosed 16 days post-ingestion.
- The infant developed unexpected sudden death on day 17.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation suggests a severe inflammatory response and tissue damage from Philodendron ingestion.
- Esophageal lesions, including stricture formation, were confirmed.
- The cause of death was attributed to vagotonia secondary to the esophageal lesions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe toxicity from Philodendron plant ingestion in children.
- Prompt medical evaluation and management are crucial for pediatric plant ingestions.
- Vagotonia secondary to esophageal lesions is a potential, life-threatening complication.
Abstract:
An 11 month old child chewed the leaves of a philodendrum plant (Araceae) and developed oropharyngeal erosions and dysphagia. Esophageal erosions of the mid third of the esophagus and on esophageal stricture at the level of the cricoid were diagnosed 16 days post ingestion. Unexpected sudden death on day 17 was attributed to vagotonia secondary to the esophageal lesions caused by philodendron leaves.