Metaraminol infusion promptly resolved persistent postoperative hypotension caused by alpha-adrenergic blockade from first-generation antipsychotics in a patient undergoing total hip replacement.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of recognizing medication-related vasoplegia from antipsychotics as a cause of postoperative hypotension and the effectiveness of early vasopressor therapy.
We report the case of a middle-aged male patient with schizophrenia on long-term antipsychotic therapy who underwent a complex primary total hip replacement. The patient developed persistent postoperative hypotension despite stable intraoperative haemodynamics and no evidence of bleeding or hypovolaemia. Drug-induced vasodilation secondary to alpha-adrenergic blockade from first-generation antipsychotics was considered the most likely cause. Blood pressure responded promptly to metaraminol infusion. This case highlights the importance of recognising medication-related vasoplegia, maintaining a broad differential diagnosis for postoperative hypotension, and considering early vasopressor therapy and escalation of care when required.
Bharani Premkumar (Thu,) conducted a case report in Postoperative hypotension (n=1). Metaraminol infusion was evaluated on Blood pressure response. Metaraminol infusion promptly resolved persistent postoperative hypotension caused by alpha-adrenergic blockade from first-generation antipsychotics in a patient undergoing total hip replacement.