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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
11:14
Rapid High-throughput Species Identification of Botanical Material Using Direct Analysis in Real Time High Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Published on: October 2, 2016
12.9K
[Poisonous plants: An ongoing problem]
A Martínez Monseny1, L Martínez Sánchez1, A Margarit Soler1
1Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|October 12, 2014
Summary
Pediatric plant ingestion, though rare, can cause severe toxicity. This study highlights the need for increased health professional knowledge and preventive measures to manage plant poisoning effectively in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Botanical Toxicology
- Clinical Pediatrics
Background:
- Pediatric emergency visits for plant ingestion are uncommon but can lead to severe toxicity.
- Limited botanical toxicology training among healthcare professionals complicates diagnosis and treatment decisions.
- Accurate identification and management of plant-induced poisoning in children are critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical aspects of plant ingestion poisonings in children.
- To enhance the understanding of plant toxicity among healthcare providers.
- To inform clinical practice and public health strategies regarding pediatric plant ingestions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective descriptive study analyzed pediatric emergency department cases.
- Data were collected over a five-year period (January 2008 - December 2012).
- Focus was on patients presenting after ingesting plant substances.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients were evaluated for plant ingestion; 14 involved potentially toxic plants.
- Commonly ingested toxic plants included oleander, castor, and Jimson weed, with oleander, castor, and Jimson weed demonstrating significant toxicity.
- Ingestion routes varied: accidental (10 cases), infantile mistreatment (2 cases), recreational (1 case), and suicidal (1 case).
Conclusions:
- The potential severity and diverse exposure routes of plant substance ingestion necessitate pediatrician awareness.
- Preparedness for diagnosis and management of pediatric plant poisoning is essential.
- Targeted preventive information for families and regulation of toxic plants in public spaces are recommended.
Keywords:
ChildrenIntoxicación por plantasNiñosPlant poisoningPlantas tóxicasToxic plantsVegetablesVegetalesMore Related Videos
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