title: Atropine may prevent the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema.
abstract: Neurogenic pulmonary edema is an acute life-threatening complication of central nervous system injury. We introduce a hypothesis that early i.v. administration of high-dose atropine can prevent neurogenic pulmonary edema development on the basis of the prevention of baroreflex-induced bradycardia, which was recognized as a major factor in neurogenic pulmonary edema formation. To validate this hypothesis, a clinical trial in patients suffering from subarachnoid haemorrhage should be performed, with atropine administered i.v. immediately after the maintenance of the living functions, intubation and ability to monitor patient.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic. jirisedy@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Jirí
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sedý
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zicha
authors.forename: Jaroslav
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kunes
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Syková
mesh_terms: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001285:Atropine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017704:Baroreflex / Q000187:drug effects*; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013345:Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D001285:Atropine