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Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
[Lidocaine: local anaesthetic with systemic toxicity]
K A M I van Donselaar-van der Pant1, M Buwalda, H J van Leeuwen
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|February 13, 2008
Summary
Lidocaine local anesthetic can cause rare systemic toxicity, presenting with neurological and respiratory symptoms. High concentrations increase risk, necessitating physician awareness for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lidocaine is a commonly used local anesthetic.
- Systemic toxicity from lidocaine is a rare but serious complication.
- Accurate drug concentration is crucial for safe administration.
Observation:
- Four patients experienced systemic toxicity after lidocaine administration for various procedures.
- Two patients received a 10% lidocaine solution instead of the intended 1%.
- Symptoms ranged from neurological disturbances to coma and respiratory arrest.
Findings:
- All four patients exhibited signs of lidocaine systemic toxicity.
- One patient, who received a high concentration, died from adult respiratory distress syndrome.
- Prompt recognition and management of symptoms are vital.
Implications:
- Physicians must be vigilant regarding potential lidocaine systemic toxicity.
- Emphasizes the importance of correct drug preparation and dosage.
- Highlights the need for awareness of toxicity symptoms for timely intervention.
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