[Nerium oleander self poisoning treated with digoxin-specific antibodies]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2005 Jun;24(6):640-2. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2005.04.010.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A chronically depressed 44-year-old man was rescued by the French medicalised ambulance service four hours after the ingestion of Nerium oleander leaves in a suicide attempt. Cardiotoxicity was evidenced by the presence of bradycardia with mental confusion and vomiting. The patient was empirically treated in the prehospital phase with a single dose of digoxin-specific Fab antibody fragments (Digidot). In spite of this treatment, the patient presented a new episode of important bradycardia (25 b/minute). Thereafter, the patient's rhythm stabilized and neurological signs and vomiting resolved. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the intensive care unit two days later.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Blocking / therapeutic use*
  • Bradycardia / chemically induced
  • Bradycardia / therapy
  • Digoxin / immunology*
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Heart Diseases / chemically induced
  • Heart Diseases / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Nerium / poisoning*
  • Suicide, Attempted
  • Vomiting / chemically induced
  • Vomiting / therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Blocking
  • Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
  • Digoxin