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Pediatric ricin toxicity from castor seed ingestion: a case report from Nepal
Zenith Rauniyar1, Trinity Thapa2, Umesh Thapa1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Methinkot Hospital, Kavre, Bagmati, Nepal.
Insights
Accidental castor seed ingestion caused ricin poisoning in a child. Basic supportive care was effective, highlighting the need for public awareness and preparedness for plant toxin exposure in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) contains ricin, a potent toxin.
- Accidental ingestion of castor seeds poses severe health risks, especially to children.
Introduction:
The castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), which is widely used in traditional medicine, contains ricin, a highly toxic ribosome-inactivating protein. The accidental ingestion of castor seeds poses significant health risks, particularly in the pediatric population.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of ricin toxicity in a 6-year-old boy following castor seed ingestion in Nepal. The patient presented with gastrointestinal symptoms, which necessitated prompt evaluation and supportive management in a resource-limited setting.
Discussion:
This case illustrates the diagnostic dilemma of plant toxin ingestion in children, the effectiveness of basic supportive care despite the absence of specific antidotes, and the emerging role of rapid diagnostic tools in facilitating early detection and resolving the diagnostic uncertainty.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the risks of ricin poisoning in children and emphasizes the need for greater public awareness and improved healthcare preparedness in regions where castor oil plants are endemic.
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