Refractory hypotension during general anesthesia despite preoperative discontinuation of an angiotensin receptor blocker [v1; ref status: indexed, http://f1000r.es/p1]

Due to their beneficial reduction in morbidity and mortality angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have become increasingly popular to treat hypertension. However, similar to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, they can lead to severe hypotension in conjunction with general anesthesia and thus...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Raha Nabbi, Harvey J Woehlck, Matthias L Riess
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2013-01-01
Series:F1000Research
Subjects:
Online Access:http://f1000research.com/articles/2-12/v1
Description
Summary:Due to their beneficial reduction in morbidity and mortality angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have become increasingly popular to treat hypertension. However, similar to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, they can lead to severe hypotension in conjunction with general anesthesia and thus have been recommended to be withheld in the morning of surgery. Here, we present a 51 year old female who developed severe refractory hypotension after induction of general anesthesia, although she had discontinued her medication 24 hours preoperatively as instructed. Therefore, halting ARBs for more than 24 hours before surgery may be necessary. Heightened awareness of this potential interaction and recognizing the need to treat with vasopressin is required when ARB-induced hypotension occurs.
ISSN:2046-1402