Hypocalcemia and hypokalemia due to hyperventilation syndrome in spinal anesthesia: A case report.
10.4097/kjae.2011.61.6.519
- Author:
Hyun Soo MOON
1
;
Soo Kyung LEE
;
Ji Hoon CHUNG
;
Chi Bum IN
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Korea. hysomoon@yahoo.co.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Hyperventilation;
Hypocalcemia;
Hypokalemia
- MeSH:
Anesthesia;
Anesthesia, Spinal;
Blood Gas Analysis;
Electrocardiography;
Electrolytes;
Emergencies;
Female;
Hand;
Headache;
Humans;
Hyperventilation;
Hypesthesia;
Hypocalcemia;
Hypokalemia;
Inhalation;
Lower Extremity;
Masks;
Middle Aged;
Nausea;
Paresthesia;
Patient Safety;
Spasm;
Upper Extremity
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2011;61(6):519-523
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) often occurs under stressful conditions, and has been reported during or after anesthesia and operation. HVS, characterized by multiple somatic symptoms and electrolyte imbalances induced by inappropriate hyperventilation, should be managed as an emergency. We report a rare case of HVS during spinal anesthesia. The patient was a previously healthy 51-year-old female without psychogenic conditions. During spinal anesthesia for lower extremity surgery, the patient complained of nausea, headache, paresthesia in the upper extremities and perioral numbness. We found carpal spasm in both hands and flattening of T wave on electrocardiogram (ECG). Emergent arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) revealed markedly decreased PaCO2, hypocalcemia and hypokalemia. We managed the patient with verbal sedation, electrolytes replacement therapy and closed mask inhalation. HVS subsided gradually. We conclude that monitoring for possible HVS during anesthesia is very important for patient safety.
