Compartment and Crush Syndromes After Sleep Deprivation and a Therapeutic Dose of Zolpidem.

Martin Huecker,Eric Yazel

doi:10.5811/cpcem.2017.4.30837

Martin Huecker, Eric Yazel

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.2017.4.30837

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Abstract

Despite extensive review in the literature, compartment syndrome and crush syndrome remain difficult to diagnose. Trauma, toxins and reperfusion have been associated with these syndromes. Cases involving alcohol and drug abuse have described patients “found down” compressing an extremity. We present a case of a registered nurse who developed compartment syndrome in multiple limbs due to prolonged sleep after sleep deprivation and zolpidem use. To our knowledge, this is the first case of compartment syndrome or crush syndrome to have occurred in the setting of zolpidem use. Sleep disruption in healthcare workers represents a public health issue with dangerous sequelae, both acute and chronic.

Highlights

A shift worker is defined as “anyone who works extendedduration shifts and other variable and nonstandard hours ... late into the night or very early in the morning.”[1]
We present a case of a registered nurse who developed compartment syndrome in multiple limbs due to prolonged sleep after sleep deprivation and zolpidem use
Hospital staff and physicians who work night shifts and swing shifts are subjected to circadian disruption that leads to fatigue, poor performance, and patient harm

Summary

Case Report

Compartment and Crush Syndromes After Sleep Deprivation and a Therapeutic Dose of Zolpidem. University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky. Despite extensive review in the literature, compartment syndrome and crush syndrome remain difficult to diagnose. Cases involving alcohol and drug abuse have described patients “found down” compressing an extremity. We present a case of a registered nurse who developed compartment syndrome in multiple limbs due to prolonged sleep after sleep deprivation and zolpidem use. To our knowledge, this is the first case of compartment syndrome or crush syndrome to have occurred in the setting of zolpidem use. Sleep disruption in healthcare workers represents a public health issue with dangerous sequelae, both acute and chronic. [Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2017;1(3):201–204.]

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