Mass Jatropha Plant Seed Poisoning Profile and Clinical Outcome of Cases
Abstract
Introduction : Despite lot of parental care & disciplined care at schools, accidental
poisoning is not an uncommon presentation in paediatric emergency.
Objective : Case Report is aimed to describe clinical profile and outcome of children
admitted for acute jatropha poisoning at community health centre (CHC) in District
Fatehgarh sahib, Punjab.
Material & Methods: Children admitted to CHC for acute Jatropha plant seed poisoning
were subjects of study. Chief complaints, history, clinical presentation, laboratory
findings and treatment modality and outcome of patients and duration of treatment
were recorded on CHC charts, mean, summation, percentage & frequency distribution
were used where applicable.
Result: 36 children reported in study belonged to local primary school age ranging
from 6-12 years. Most prominent symptom of poisoning is nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain and most serious sequel hypovolaemic shock.
Conclusion: Jatropha plant seed poisoning manifests as gastrointestinal symptoms.
Cornerstone of treatment is decontamination and hydration.
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