Beneficial outcome after prostaglandin-induced post-partum cardiac arrest using levosimendan and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BACKGROUND

Administration of high doses of prostaglandins is a frequently performed and effective method for the treatment of atonic uterine haemorrhage in order to increase uterine muscle tone. Rarely, however, these drugs may cause life-threatening complications including bronchospasm, acute pulmonary oedema and myocardial infarction caused by coronary spasms.

METHODS

We discuss the management of a patient suffering post-partum atonic uterine bleeding, catecholamine-resistant cardiac arrest and fulminant pulmonary failure due to deleterious side-effects of treatment with prostaglandins.

RESULTS

During therapy resistant cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the addition of levosimendan to standard medications resulted in a prompt stabilization of haemodynamics. Subsequent treatment of pulmonary failure was successfully managed with ECMO.

CONCLUSION

Although levosimendan is not approved for pharmacological treatment of cardiopulmonary arrest, the beneficial effects in this patient suggest an important role of calcium sensitization and vasodilation during prostaglandin-induced cardiac arrest.