[Vancomycin and cardiac arrest in the infant].
BACKGROUND
Different adverse effects induced by vancomycin bolus infusion are described, but cardiac arrest seems rare, in children as in adults.


METHODS
Two infants, 5 and 12 months old, were admitted after cardiac arrest, following vancomycin bolus infusion in excessive dose. They recovered after prompt resuscitation and their short term follow-up was normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Two mechanisms are invoked: anaphylactic shock and direct cardiovascular toxicity. Both are dose- and infusion rate-dependent, and probably intersubject dependent. Usually, cardiac arrest is promptly reversed by adequate resuscitation. The rules of prescription are: adequate dilution and slow rate of infusion. If any adverse effect occurred, preventive antihistaminic drug therapy should be advised.
Trentesaux
A S
AS
Unité de réanimation infantile polyvalente, American Memorial Hospital, CHU, Reims, France.
Bednarek
N
N
Morville
P
P
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D014640:Vancomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D014640:Vancomycin
Vancomycine et arrêt cardiorespiratoire chez le nourrisson.