Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone test: an adverse reaction

The side effects of intravenous (IV) administration of protirelin (thyrotrophin-releasing hormone [TRH] are usually mild and transient. The loss of consciousness and apical heart tones occurred in two young patients after protirelin injection. The mechanism for the reactions in these patients is not known, but the absence of heart sounds in the presence of no palpable pulse and no obtainable blood pressure should now be included among the adverse effects that may occur after administration of protirelin IV.