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Published on: October 24, 2018
[Extracorporeal life support in calcium antagonist intoxication]
M W Groot1, S Grewal, H J Meeder
1Erasmus MC, afd. Intensive Care Volwassenen, Rotterdam.
Insights
Severe calcium antagonist overdose can be fatal, causing refractory shock. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can bridge patients to recovery by supporting circulation and organ perfusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Toxicology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Calcium antagonist intoxication is linked to severe patient outcomes.
- Even minor overdoses of calcium antagonists can be life-threatening.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with severe shock following a calcium antagonist overdose.
- Standard medical treatments were ineffective, necessitating extracorporeal life support (ECLS).
Findings:
- Severe calcium antagonist overdose results in refractory shock due to vasoplegia and cardiac failure.
- Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) effectively bridges patients to recovery by maintaining circulation and organ perfusion.
Implications:
- ECLS can be life-saving in severe calcium antagonist overdose cases.
- Prompt referral to an ECLS center is crucial for patients with significant calcium antagonist toxicity.
Background:
Intoxication with calcium antagonists is associated with poor outcome. Even mild calcium antagonist overdose may be fatal.
Case Description:
A 51-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man came to the Accident and Emergency Department in severe shock after they had taken a calcium antagonist overdose. After extensive medicinal therapy had failed, they both needed extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge to recovery.
Conclusion:
In severe calcium antagonist overdose, the combination of vasoplegia and cardiac failure leads to refractory shock. ECLS temporarily supports the circulation and maintains organ perfusion. In this way ECLS functions as a bridge to recovery and may possibly save lives. Timely consultation with and referral to an ECLS centre is recommended in patients with calcium antagonist overdose.
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