Atropine may prevent the development of neurogenic pulmonary edema.
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.
Sedý
Jirí
J
Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic. jirisedy@hotmail.com
Zicha
Josef
J
Kunes
Jaroslav
J
Syková
Eva
E
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
D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D001285:Atropine