Document Type : Case Series
Authors
1 Department of Emergency Medicine, RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital Bangalore, Karnataka – 560074, India
2 Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore-575018, India
Abstract
Introduction: Eucalyptus oil is a volatile hydrocarbon produced by the distillation process from Eucalyptus leaves. The oil can be absorbed through dermal exposure, inhalation, and ingestion. The symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and coma, and seizures and kidney injuries have been reported as some of the complications. The poisoning-related complications are more common in children than adults.
Case presentation: In this study, we included six adult patients who presented to the emergency department and developed rhabdomyolysis as a complication during their hospital stay. All the cases had a history of eucalyptus oil intoxication. The mean age of the cohort, comprising two males and four females, was 25±4 years. The average amount of eucalyptus oil exposure was 14±7 mL. Two patients underwent dialysis, and one required mechanical ventilatory support. All six cases were discharged from the hospital after complete recovery.
Discussion: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication of eucalyptus oil poisoning. The study participants initially presented a wide spectrum of complaints, such as asymptomatic (n=1), convulsions (n=3), pain in the abdomen (n=1), and vomiting(n=1). Surprisingly, patients asymptomatic at presentation also developed rhabdomyolysis. The typical treatment for eucalyptus oil poisoning involves supportive care and close monitoring of vital signs. Patients who developed eucalyptus oil-associated rhabdomyolysis were treated with intravenous fluid, diuretics, and corticosteroids.
Conclusion: Rhabdomyolysis is a rare complication following ingestion of eucalyptus oil. Awareness of this complication is vital for early diagnosis and proper treatment, especially in regions where eucalyptus oil is readily available and used.
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