title: Bupivacaine-induced seizures and ventricular fibrillation in a 13-year-old girl undergoing wound debridement.
abstract: Bupivacaine is a commonly used local anesthetic in dental, ophthalmologic, and simple surgical procedures. Its current popularity derives from its potency and relatively long half-life. Widespread use of bupivacaine has resulted in sometimes severe adverse reactions when significant systemic absorption has occurred. This report documents a life-threatening event following use of bupivacaine, briefly reviews its neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects, and raises questions about current management strategies when toxicity occurs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center and the University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003646:Debridement; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012151:Resuscitation; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003975:Diazepam; D002045:Bupivacaine