Refractory hypotension during general anesthesia despite preoperative discontinuation of an angiotensin receptor blocker

F1000Res. 2013 Jan 14:2:12. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.2-12.v1. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

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.

Grants and funding

Institutional support only (RN, HJW and MLR). No grants were involved in supporting this particular work. Unrelated research support for MLR through the Department of Veterans Affairs (CARA-026-10F) and NIH.