Curiosity almost killed the cat: A case of accidental yellow oleander poisoning in school children.

ABSTRACT

Seven schoolchildren (9–12 years) accidentally ingested the seeds of yellow oleander (Cerbera thevetia or Thevetia neriifolia) while playing outdoors. Yellow oleander is an evergreen ornamental shrub that grows wild in most parts of India. The whole plant, including its sap, is toxic, containing several cardiac glycosides. All parts of the plant are dangerous, especially the seeds. After repeated vomiting by one child, all seven children were taken to hospital by their schoolteacher. On admission most of the victims appeared normal, though a few were drowsy or irritable. A few hours later, some of them developed hypotension, for which they were successfully treated and discharged after 18 hours. All children were followed up periodically over the next week, but did not display evidence of any sequelae or complications.