Study on analysis of socio-demographic aspects, clinical profile, ECG changes, electrolyte status and outcome with acute yellow oleander seed poison patients in GDMCH, Dharmapuri

Introduction: Ingestion of oleander seeds results in a clinical picture similar to that of digoxin overdose. Severely poisoned patients may die in dc shock resistant ventricular fibrillation. It can lead to severe Hyperkalaemia is a marker of a poor outcome in cardiac glycoside poisoning, which may worsen further toxicity and lead to serious Arrhythmias. Aim: To analyse Clinical Profile, ECG Changes, Electrolyte Status among the patients with acute yellow Oleander seed Poisoning. Materials and methods: All patients admitted with consumption yellow oleander poison within 48 hours was studied. The study was carried out over a nine-month-period beginning June 2016. Clinical parameters, CBC, Blood sugars, Serum Urea, Creatinine, Serum Na+, Serum K+, LFT, ABG, ECG, and Gastric aspirate analysis were done to analysis the changes on hourly basis. Results: Among the 72 patients, the significant ECG abnormalities were found in 45(62.5%), 37.5% had normal rate and rhythm. No significant abnormalities were found in Renal and Liver functions. No significant change in Serum Sodium level was noted. But significant change in the Serum Potassium levels was noted in 28.1% of patients. In this 19.7% had Hyper-Kalemia and 8.4% had Hypo-Kalemia. Conclusion: Oleander seed is still used as a suicidal agent. Oleander plant is easily available as an ornamental plant in urban, semi-urban and rural areas. ECG abnormalities were found in majority of the individuals. Prognosis was poor among those who presenting with Hypo-tension, Electrolyte disturbances especially those with Hyperkalaemia, and complex Arrhythmias.