Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: In a series of 100 patients with postischemic ventricular fibrillation (group P), 20 mmol of potassium chloride (plus 10 mmol later if necessary) was added to the oxygenator reservoir and perfused through the arterial line into the proximal aorta. The results were compared with those in a matched control group of 100 patients primarily treated with direct-current countershock (group DC). RESULTS: In group P, the ventricular fibrillation was effectively converted to a supraventricular rhythm in 82% of the patients. The remaining 18 patients required significantly (p < 0.005) fewer electric shocks than the patients in group DC. Serum K+ levels were slightly elevated for a short period after the potassium chloride infusion. Otherwise there were no significant differences in regard to incidence of heart block, temporary epicardial pacing, myocardial infarction, or atrial fibrillation between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | E Ovrum, G Tangen, E A Holen, M A Ringdal, R Istad |
Journal | The Annals of thoracic surgery
(Ann Thorac Surg)
Vol. 60
Issue 1
Pg. 156-9
(Jul 1995)
ISSN: 0003-4975 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 7598579
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Case-Control Studies
- Electric Countershock
- Female
- Heart Arrest, Induced
(adverse effects)
- Humans
- Infusions, Intra-Arterial
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Potassium Chloride
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
- Ventricular Fibrillation
(drug therapy, etiology, therapy)
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