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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Rat Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Resuscitation by Conventional Closed-chest Technique
Published on: April 26, 2015
Resuscitation from transfusion-associated hyperkalaemic ventricular fibrillation
1Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract:
Evidence to guide resuscitation from transfusion-related hyperkalaemic ventricular fibrillation is sparse. This case report describes a 29 kg patient undergoing scoliosis surgery who developed hyperkalaemic ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation following the replacement of over two blood volumes with banked blood in 90 minutes. Rapid reversion to sinus rhythm followed administration of 1.4 mmol of calcium chloride and two units of insulin (Actrapid, Novo Nordisk). The relevant literature is reviewed, indicating that an elevated serum ionised calcium level protects against hyperkalaemia, by an intracellular mechanism. Evidence supports the use of lignocaine, but not amiodarone, as additional treatment.
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