Pattern, Clinical Characteristics and Outcome in Cases of Castor and Croton Seeds Ingestion: Six Year's Retrospective Study at Tanta University Poison Control Centre

Helal, Nadia E.; Hasan, Sohair F.; Elbastawesy, Samah M.

doi:10.21608/esctj.2023.242421.1042

Pattern, Clinical Characteristics and Outcome in Cases of Castor and Croton Seeds Ingestion: Six Year's Retrospective Study at Tanta University Poison Control Centre

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

² Department of Emergency Medicine and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine – Tanta University

10.21608/esctj.2023.242421.1042

Abstract

Background: The consumption of herbal medicine to address health issues has gained a great attention since years till now. Castor and croton seeds are well-known by their therapeutic values, however intoxication by their ingestion could produce significant toxicities and even fatalities. Aim of the work: This study aimed to investigate the pattern, clinical characteristics and outcomes in cases of castor and croton seeds ingestion admitted to TUPCC. Patient and Method: This retrospective study involved 27 cases of castor and croton seeds ingestion from start of 2017 to the end of 2022. All demographic, clinical and laboratory data of cases were reported. Outcomes in all cases were additionally recorded. Results: The majority of patients (63%) were unintentionally intoxicated children by castor seeds, unlike most of adults ingested croton seeds for therapeutic intention. Overall, gastrointestinal manifestations and dehydration were the most frequent. Oral burning sensation was significantly-linked to croton seed ingestion. Aspartate transaminase and blood urea were significantly elevated in pediatrics. Furthermore, high leukocytic count, electrolyte disturbance, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, and elevated creatinine phosphokinase were reported. Castor seeds ingestion showed more ECG abnormalities. Overall, 33.3% of patients were ICU admitted, yet all patients had favorable prognosis. Conclusions and Recommendations: Ingestion of more seeds results in more severe toxicity. The long hospital stays and long lag to reach a health facility were significantly correlated with the severity of toxicity. The most effective approach to prevent unintentional toxic seeds ingestion is to raise public awareness about the harmful plants with everyone, especially children caregivers.

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