Author/Editor		Kariž, Stojan; Ambrožič, Jana; Marušič, Tamar; Požar, Klara
Title		Zastoj srca po vdihavanju butana - prikaz primera
Translated title		Cardiac arrest following butane gas inhalation - case report
Type		članek
Source		In: Bručan A, Gričar M, Vajd R, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja. Zbornik 10. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 2003 jun 11-14; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 195-8
Language		slo
Abstract		Inhalant abuse is the intentional inhalation of a volatile substance for the purpose of achieving a euphoric state. It represents a common, but under-recognized form of substance abuse in teenagers with a significant morbidity and mortality. The products abused are readily available, convenient, inexpensive and capable of rapidly producing a pleasurable sensory experience. Acute toxic effects due to inhalant abuse include euphoria, disinhibition, hallucinations, tinnitus, ataxia, nausea, convulsions, coma, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression and death. Death can occur by several mechanisms including direct cardiac toxicity (arrhythmias), suffocation (plastic bags), dangerous behavior, aspiration and stimulation of the vagal nerve. Sudden sniffing death syndrome has been reported as the most frequent cause of death. The hydrocarbons of inhalants sensitize the myocardium to catecholamines, which can result in a fatal cardiac arrhythmia. The authors report a case of an 18-year-old male, whom his parents found unconscious in bed at home, with a cigarette lighter refill canister (butane) laying beside him. He was totally unrespon sive and without pulse, so they began with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It took 14 minutes from telephone call to the arrival of rescue team. At the arrival the patient was breathless and asystole was noted on the monitor. After cardiac compressions and adrenalin iv ventricular fibrillation was noted on the-monitor. After DC shock and cardiopulmonary resuscitation lasting 12 minutes sinus rhythm was restored. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and was mechanically ventilated for 16 days. Transiently he received inotropes. A CT scan of the brain showed signs of global cerebral anoxic insult: On day 38 he was transferred to a neurology department for further assessment and rehabilitation.
Descriptors		BUTANES SUBSTANCE ABUSE HEART ARREST ADULT