In a tragic incident that occurred in Son La, a woman mixed palm leaves with a soft drink and consumed it along with her two children. Unfortunately, the mother and son passed away immediately, while the 8-year-old girl was left in critical condition. Doctors from the Department of Emergency Medicine at Muong La District General Hospital shared that the girl arrived at the hospital in a grave state due to leaf poisoning, experiencing cardiac and respiratory arrest, pale skin, and falling into a deep coma within four hours.
Medical professionals worked tirelessly to save the young girl’s life, performing chest compressions, airway management, intubation, ventilation, and gastric lavage. After a day of treatment, her condition stabilized, with improved breathing, blood pressure, normal limb movement, and successful removal of the endotracheal tube. The patient remained under close observation as her recovery progressed.
The family members of the child revealed that they were facing difficulties and raised questions about why the mother had chosen to mix palm leaf water for her loved ones to drink. Authorities launched an investigation to determine the underlying cause of this tragic event.
Palm leaves are part of the money tree family and contain a lethal alkaloid which can cause instant death upon ingestion. Poisoning symptoms include thirst, sore throat
