Cardiac Implications of Oleander Poisoning: Case Series and Treatment Approaches

Dr. E. Arulanandhan, Dr. Kannan Radhakrishnan, Dr. Raghothaman Sethumadhavan, Dr. Suresh Kumar Ponnuswamy

Abstract: Oleander, a highly toxic plant, poses severe risks when ingested, primarily affecting the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. This case series examines three instances of oleander poisoning involving different doses of oleander seeds. The patients, aged 21, 25, and 39, presented with symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, vomiting, and abnormal electrocardiogram ECG findings related to hyperkalemia. Despite aggressive treatment with insulin, dextrose, and salbutamol nebulization, one patient experienced sudden cardiac death, while the others recovered following correction of hyperkalemia and were discharged. This study highlights the importance of promptly addressing hyperkalemia in oleander poisoning, even when typical ECG signs are absent, to prevent life threatening cardiac complications.

Keywords: Oleander poisoning, hyperkalemia, cardiac glycosides, ECG abnormalities, treatment