Ventricular tachycardia after oxytocin injection in patients with prolonged Q-T interval syndrome--report of two cases

Acta Anaesthesiol Sin. 1998 Mar;36(1):49-52.

Abstract

Oxytocin is widely used in obstetric settings to stimulate uterine contraction and prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Its adverse effects which include transient hypotension and increase heart rate could be life-threatening in patients with fixed cardiac output or hypotension resulting from hemorrhage. We reported two cases suspected to have preexisting prolonged Q-T interval syndrome (PQTS) who developed ventricular tachycardia immediately after intravenous injection of oxytocin. Anesthetic management of and use of oxytocic agents in patients with PQTS were discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / complications*
  • Oxytocin / adverse effects*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Oxytocin