INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal sympathetic storm (PSS) is a rare syndrome characterized by episodic hypertension, hyperhydrosis, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and extensor posturing. CASE REPORTS: This article describes two cases of PSS: one following traumatic brain injury and the other following cardiac arrest. DISCUSSION: The first responded to labetalol, morphine, and codeine, whereas the second responded to labetalol. CONCLUSION: These observations underscore the importance of central opioid receptors and nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonists in modulating catecholamine pathways.
INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal sympathetic storm (PSS) is a rare syndrome characterized by episodic hypertension, hyperhydrosis, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and extensor posturing. CASE REPORTS: This article describes two cases of PSS: one following traumatic brain injury and the other following cardiac arrest. DISCUSSION: The first responded to labetalol, morphine, and codeine, whereas the second responded to labetalol. CONCLUSION: These observations underscore the importance of central opioid receptors and nonselective beta-adrenergic antagonists in modulating catecholamine pathways.
Authors: Jonathon B Ryan; Mark Hicks; Jonathan R Cropper; Sarah R Garlick; Scott H Kesteven; Michael K Wilson; Michael P Feneley; Peter S Macdonald Journal: J Heart Lung Transplant Date: 2003-08 Impact factor: 10.247