Citation

Chen X, Yang Z. Am. J. Emerg. Med. 2017; 35(8): 1209.e1-1209.e2.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajem.2017.04.006

PMID

28390833

Abstract

Propafenone is prescribed for the control of cardiac ventricular arrhythmias. Poisoning from propafenone intoxication is rare, but the survival rate of patients is low. We present a case of a 37-year-old man who developed cardiac arrest due to propafenone intoxication. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, plasmapheresis, and other medical treatments had no effect on cardiac arrest. After repeated administrations of calcium gluconate, the patient achieved a full recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in which a full recovery from cardiac arrest was achieved by administration of calcium gluconate. We recommend that for patients poisoned by propafenone, close monitoring for decreased blood calcium is important.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Male; Intoxication; Heart Arrest; Drug Overdose; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Treatment Outcome; Suicide, Attempted; Propafenone; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Plasmapheresis; Calcium Gluconate; Blood calcium; Calcium rescue