Piloerection: a side effect of intravenous administration of dobutamine.
BACKGROUND
When a dobutamine stress echocardiogram is performed, piloerection is frequently found in the scalp area.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to establish the incidence of this phenomenon and its association with other clinical findings.


METHODS
A total of 218 consecutive patients that underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography in our department were included in the study.


RESULTS
Piloerection was present in 42.2% of the sample. No correlations could be established between piloerection and gender, result of the stress test or other side effects. A statistically significant correlation was established with the age of the patients: piloerection was present in 73% of patients aged 50 years or younger. It appears most often with a dobutamine dose of 10 microg/kg/min.


CONCLUSIONS
Piloerection is a frequent side effect of dobutamine infusion, particularly in patients aged 50 or less; it usually precedes the increase in heart rate caused by dobutamine; therefore, it is an early and clear indication that the intravenous set is working properly. Also, the previous warning of its possible appearance may contribute to the patient's well-being.
Vidal
Inés
I
Departamento de Ecocardiografia, Hospital Italiano Umberto I, Presidente Giró 2540, Montevideo, Uruguay. invi@montevideo.com.uy
D000367:Age Factors; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004280:Dobutamine; D025401:Echocardiography, Stress / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010863:Piloerection / Q000187:drug effects*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D004280:Dobutamine