Cardiac arrest following protamine sulphate administration
Tonczar, L.; Joukhadar, S.; Martinek, H.; Staudacher, M.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 93(2): 63-65
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 7245773 Document Number: 179353
The case history of a patient suffering from recurrent pulmonary embolism, despite heparinization, after a car accident and who died during preparation for caval ligature was studied. The protamine sulfate given for neutralization of the heparin effect may be important, as no signs of massive pulmonary embolism were found at autopsy. Protamine sulfate has cardiovascular depressive action. The possible potentiation of circulatory insufficiency by changed hemodynamics following pulmonary embolism, induction of anesthesia and protamine sulfate is discussed. Proposals for improved management of such cases are made.