Effects of insulin+glucose pretreatment on bupivacaine cardiotoxicity in rats

A mistaken overdose of bupivacaine into systemic circulation may cause severe cardiovascular side effects. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pretreatment with combined intra venous lipid emulsion (ILE) and high-dose insulin therapy against cardiotoxicity caused by bupivacaine intoxication. The rats were divided into the following three groups: Group B received a saline pretreatment plus a bupivacaine, group L received ILE pretreatment plus a bupivacaine, and in group I, insulin with glucose was infused intravenously, plus ILE pretreatment plus a bupivacaine. The electrocardiogram tracing, invasive arterial pressure, and heart rate (HR) of rats were monitored continuously. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed in all groups. Arterial blood gas analysis revealed that the baseline pH, PaO₂, and PaCO₂ values were similar between groups ( p > 0.05). Widening of Q, R, and S wave complex was found 46.8 ± 16.7, 92.0 ± 5.80, and 106.5 ± 17.9 s after initiation of bupivacaine infusion in groups B, L, and I, respectively. Time elapsed until 25% reduction of HR 127.3 ± 17.7, 248.4 ± 34.1, and 260.1 ± 51.3 s for groups B, L, and I, and 25% reduction of mean arterial pressure 107.6 ± 14.1, 253.2 ± 36.3, and 292 ± 57.7 s for groups B, L, and I, respectively. Arrhythmia was observed after 142.2 ± 27.5, 180.7 ± 17.8, and 190.7 ± 19.2 s for groups B, L, and I, respectively. Finally, asystole occurred after 560.1 ± 76.4, 782.4 ± 63.0, and 882.5 ± 105.1 s for groups B, L, and I, respectively. This finding indicates that the survival time of rats administered pretreatment with ILE plus insulin+glucose and those given ILE was observed to be longer.