Background: The genus Heliotropium encompasses plants that exhibit a variety of pharmacological properties. Even though this plant has many therapeutic uses, some portions of salt heliotrope contain high concentrations of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA), which have been extremely hazardous substances that can seriously impair the liver of both humans and animals. Human poisoning cases are extremely uncommon. Symptoms of poisoning, which often include hemolytic jaundice, photosensitization, and eventually death.
Case Presentation: An 8-year-old boy, with a known case of autism and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, presented to our institute complaining of vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of a part of a leaf in the farm (Heliotropium Curassavicum); blood workup was ordered and it showed hemolytic anemia crisis and was managed by hydration and blood transfusion.
Conclusion: This case adds to the literature by documenting an acute hemolytic anemia crisis due to the ingestion of H. curassavicum in an 8-year-old child who has been diagnosed with G6PD deficiency.
Key words: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolytic anemia crisis, low hemoglobin, Heliotropium curassavicum, pediatric population.
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