Hypoglycemia as a cause of sudden cardiac arrest during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia: a case report and review of the literature

Background Sudden cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia is a rare event. However, its management by an unprepared team is difficult and carries poor outcomes. Hypoglycemia as the cause of sudden cardiac arrest is rarely reported. This case illustrates lifesaving procedures for sudden cardiac arres...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical case reports 2021-07, Vol.15 (1), p.1-376, Article 376
Main Authors: Tilahun, Temesgen, Gudina, Guteta
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amniotic fluid
Anesthesia
Antigens
Blood groups
Blood pressure
Blood sugar
Blood tests
Bupivacaine
Cardiac arrest
Case Report
Case reports
Cesarean section
Childbirth & labor
Defibrillators
Electrocardiography
Hepatitis
HIV
Hospitals
Human immunodeficiency virus
Hypoglycemia
Hypotension
Ischemia
Laboratories
Pain
Patients
Pregnancy
Pulmonary embolisms
Serology
Spinal anesthesia
Surgery
Urinalysis
Vital signs
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Summary:Background Sudden cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia is a rare event. However, its management by an unprepared team is difficult and carries poor outcomes. Hypoglycemia as the cause of sudden cardiac arrest is rarely reported. This case illustrates lifesaving procedures for sudden cardiac arrest secondary to hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. Case summary We report a case, from rural Ethiopia of sudden cardiac arrest secondary to hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. The case was successfully managed by a team of anesthetists and other operating teams. The mother and newborn were discharged from the hospital on the 7th postoperative day. Conclusion Hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, identifying patients at risk of developing hypoglycemia, monitoring the patient's condition, and initiating prompt intervention at the first sign of cardiovascular instability is advisable. Determining serum blood glucose levels at admission to the labor ward and monitoring blood glucose levels during spinal anesthesia should be routine practices. Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Hypoglycemia, Spinal anesthesia, Case report
ISSN:1752-1947
1752-1947
DOI:10.1186/s13256-021-02976-2