Hyperkalemic electromechanical dissociation.
Two patients with hyperkalemic electromechanical dissociation are described. Electrocardiograms at the time of the cardiac arrests demonstrated normal appearing QRS complexes. Both patients responded to intravenous calcium chloride administration with prompt restoration of normal blood pressure. Implications of these observations with respect to current advanced cardiac life support guidelines are discussed.
St Vincent's Regional Kidney Dialysis Program, Green Bay, WI.
J M
JM
Lawton
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male