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Rhubarb leaves poisoning

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Alternative Names   

Rheum officinale poisoning

Definition    Return to top

This is poisoning caused by eating pieces of leaves from the rhubarb plant.

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

Soluble oxalate and another, unknown poison

Where Found    Return to top

The leaves (leaf blade) of the rhubarb plant. The stalk can be eaten.

Symptoms    Return to top

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

Poison Control    Return to top

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Bring the plant with you to the emergency room, if possible.

See National Poison Control Center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room    Return to top

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The patient may receive:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Deaths have been reported, but are rare.

Update Date: 3/21/2006

Updated by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.

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