Teppei Kitano1, Masaki Okajima2, Koji Sato1, Toru Noda1, Takumi Taniguchi1. 1. Intensive Care Unit, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, 920-8641, Japan. 2. Intensive Care Unit, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, 920-8641, Japan. mmokaji@gmail.com.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Caffeine is a widely used dietary stimulant, and cases of caffeine overdoses, sometimes leading to death, are increasing. We encountered a case of caffeine intoxication resolved with administration of the sedative agent dexmedetomidine. CASE PRESENTATION: We administered dexmedetomidine for sedation and to suppress sympathetic nerve stimulation in the case of an 18-year-old Japanese male who ingested a massive dose of caffeine with the intention of committing suicide. The patient was in an excited state and had hypertension, sinus tachycardia, and hypokalemia with prominent QT prolongation. After dexmedetomidine administration, the patient's mental state, hemodynamics, and electrolyte levels were improved immediately. He was discharged without any sequelae 3 days later. CONCLUSION: Cases of acute caffeine intoxication with agitation, sympathetic overactivity and adverse cardiac events would benefit with dexmedetomidine treatment.
BACKGROUND:Caffeine is a widely used dietary stimulant, and cases of caffeineoverdoses, sometimes leading to death, are increasing. We encountered a case of caffeine intoxication resolved with administration of the sedative agent dexmedetomidine. CASE PRESENTATION: We administered dexmedetomidine for sedation and to suppress sympathetic nerve stimulation in the case of an 18-year-old Japanese male who ingested a massive dose of caffeine with the intention of committing suicide. The patient was in an excited state and had hypertension, sinus tachycardia, and hypokalemia with prominent QT prolongation. After dexmedetomidine administration, the patient's mental state, hemodynamics, and electrolyte levels were improved immediately. He was discharged without any sequelae 3 days later. CONCLUSION: Cases of acute caffeine intoxication with agitation, sympathetic overactivity and adverse cardiac events would benefit with dexmedetomidine treatment.
Authors: Michel Lucas; Eilis J O'Reilly; An Pan; Fariba Mirzaei; Walter C Willett; Olivia I Okereke; Alberto Ascherio Journal: World J Biol Psychiatry Date: 2013-07-02 Impact factor: 4.132