Rare Jatropha multifida intoxication in two children

Two children were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) after ingesting a large amount of fruit of a plant identified as Jatropha multifida. They were mildly obtunded, had intractable vomiting, and seemed dehydrated. Intr avenous fluid replacement and urine alkalinization were initiated. After st abilization, their 5-day hospital stays were uneventful except for a subcli nical rise of liver enzymes, Jatropha species contain the toxalbumin ricin, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, shock, and renal a nd hepatic impairment. Ricin also has cardiotoxic and hemolytic effects and several deaths have been documented, Children are attracted by the shape a nd the color of the Jatropha fruits. Mortality can be prevented by immediat e fluid and electrolyte replacement, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.