Sulprostone, a synthetic prostaglandin analogue with potent uterotonic action, has been shown to have a low complication rate in a large series. We present a case of cardiac arrest in a parturient after Caesarean section during continuous infusion of intravenous sulprostone administered for atonic post-partum haemorrhage. She had cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 25 min before spontaneous circulation returned. The sequence of events, the results of investigations carried out during the intensive care unit stay, and the presence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, suggest that sulprostone caused coronary spasm, bradycardia, and subsequent asystole, similar to other cases described in the literature.
© 2012 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation.