ABSTRACT
Background: Plant poisonings are one of the significant causes of accidental poisoning among pediatric age group. As jatropha is being increasingly being cultivated in new regions for its economic benefit as a source of biodiesel, accidental poisoning among children are being reported. As with many members of the family euphrobiaceae, Jatropha contains compounds that are highly toxic. Jatropha Curcas is one of the best oil seed plants and identified as most suitable oil seed bearing plant due to its various favorable attributes. The objectives of this study were to determine the spectrum of clinical presentation and morbidity and mortality related to this poisoning.'''''Methods: Data was collected from January 2012 to December 2013, total 19 cases of Jatropha were examined. Descriptive analyses and measures of central tendency were performed on the demographic data to describe the sample.Results: Overall 78 % of children presented with vomiting, pain abdomen and loose stool, while 15% were admitted with only complaints of vomiting, furthermore only 5 % had both symptoms of vomiting and loose stools. There was no mortality related to Jatropha poisoning out of 19 cases.Conclusions: In recent years there are increasing number of children being admitted to hospital with accidental ingestion of Jatropha seeds. Like in other reported studies present patients had predominant gastrointestinal symptoms and recovered well with supportive measures. There were no mortality or complications in present patients.' Extensive awareness among the rural community and medical fraternity alike is needed about this potential lethal plant poison.