Acute and Critical Care

Search

Case Reports

Cardiology
Torsades de Pointes during Treatment of Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Dong Kyu Lee, Il Hwan Ryu, Ji Hyung Yoo, Su A Yun, Sang Hyun Park, Ki Woon Kang, Won Ho Kim, Yu Jeong Choi, Kyung Tae Jung, Jung Yeon Chin; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2014;29(1):19-22. Published online February 28, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.1.19

Abstract PDF: Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is caused by persistent tarchyarrhythmias and is characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure. Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is usually reversible via treatment. The cornerstone in the management of disease in these patients is to achieve a normal heart rate. We report a torsades de pointes during treatment of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. Intravenous magnesium sulfate and potassium were administrated, but torsades de pointes was repeated. After overdrive right ventricular pacing, torsades de pointes was terminated. Careful monitoring of the QT interval and serum electrolyte and drug levels in such patients is warranted during treatment of tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.

Reversal of Focal Neurologic Deficit due to Preoperative Intracranial Pressure Reduction in a Patient with Early Rebleeding of Cerebral Aneurysm: A Case Report: Hyo Seok Na, Sang Hyun Park, Young Tae Jeon, Song Hwan Do, Hwan Hee Kim, Sang Chul Lee, Hee Pyoung Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2008;23(1):40-43.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2008.23.1.40

Abstract PDF: In the first hours after initial hemorrhage, up to 15% of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to aneurysmal rupture may have a sudden episode of clinical deterioration resulting from rebleeding. In patients suffering from an aneurismal rebleeding, the prognosis becomes much poor. Early detection of rebleeding and preoperatively appropriate medical treatment for increased intracranial pressure (IICP) might be crucial to decrease the overall mortality and morbidity rate in a patient with aneurismal rebleeding. We report a case of a successful reversal of focal neurological deficit showed in a patient with abrupt rebleeding of ruptured aneurysm whose intracranial pressure was preoperatively reduced with hyperventilation, and thiopental and mannitol administration under general anesthesia in angiography suite, although the patient ended up in death due to postoperative IICP.

Original Article

Effects of Ventilation Modes and Levels of PEEP on Respiratory Mechanics during Controlled Ventilation under General Anesthesia: Jong Cook Park, Sang Hyun Park, Hyun Jun Kwag, Soo Young Park; Korean J Crit Care Med. 2006;21(2):89-94.

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Application of PEEP increases lung volume and improves oxygenation. High PEEP levels may cause alveolar overdistension or barotrauma. It was hypothesized that there will be an effect of level of PEEP on respiratory resistance and an effect of ventilatory mode on respiratory compliance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ventilation modes and levels of PEEP on respiratory mechanics during controlled ventilation under general anesthesia.
METHODS
In 14 mechanically ventilated patients without cardiopulmonary symptoms and signs, we measured the respiratory mechanics using the inspiration interrupter technique during a constant flow. Dynamic and static compliance, airway resistance, visco-elastic tissue and total respiratory system resistance were calculated at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cmH2O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in VCV mode, VCV with inspiratory pause mode, and PCV mode, respectively.
RESULTS
The dynamic compliance of the PCV mode was higher than that of the VCV mode. The highest static compliance was at 10 cmH2O PEEP. At 20 cmH2O PEEP, pulmonary compliance was decreased and the tissue resistance was increased.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the respiratory mechanics including respiratory resistance should be monitored for applying PEEP. Further studies on clinical condition such as acute lung injury and ARDS were needed.