Beneficial outcome after prostaglandin-induced post-partum cardiac arrest using levosimendan and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
BACKGROUND
Administration of high doses of prostaglandins is a frequently performed and effective method for the treatment of atonic uterine haemorrhage in order to increase uterine muscle tone. Rarely, however, these drugs may cause life-threatening complications including bronchospasm, acute pulmonary oedema and myocardial infarction caused by coronary spasms.


METHODS
We discuss the management of a patient suffering post-partum atonic uterine bleeding, catecholamine-resistant cardiac arrest and fulminant pulmonary failure due to deleterious side-effects of treatment with prostaglandins.


RESULTS
During therapy resistant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the addition of levosimendan to standard medications resulted in a prompt stabilization of haemodynamics. Subsequent treatment of pulmonary failure was successfully managed with ECMO.


CONCLUSIONS
Although levosimendan is not approved for pharmacological treatment of cardiopulmonary arrest, the beneficial effects in this patient suggest an important role of calcium sensitization and vasodilation during prostaglandin-induced cardiac arrest.
Krumnikl
J J
JJ
Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria. jakub.krumnikl@meduni-graz.at
Toller
W G
WG
Prenner
G
G
Metzler
H
H
D000328:Adult; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004351:Drug Resistance; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011724:Pyridazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077464:Simendan; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D006835:Hydrazones; D011453:Prostaglandins; D011724:Pyridazines; D000077464:Simendan