Abstract
BackgroundSudden cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia is a rare event. However, its management by an unprepared team is difficult and carries poor outcomes. Hypoglycemia as the cause of sudden cardiac arrest is rarely reported. This case illustrates lifesaving procedures for sudden cardiac arrest secondary to hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.Case summaryWe report a case, from rural Ethiopia of sudden cardiac arrest secondary to hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. The case was successfully managed by a team of anesthetists and other operating teams. The mother and newborn were discharged from the hospital on the 7th postoperative day.ConclusionHypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, identifying patients at risk of developing hypoglycemia, monitoring the patient’s condition, and initiating prompt intervention at the first sign of cardiovascular instability is advisable. Determining serum blood glucose levels at admission to the labor ward and monitoring blood glucose levels during spinal anesthesia should be routine practices.
Highlights
Spinal anesthesia has become the preferred anesthetic technique when providing anesthesia for patients undergoing elective cesarean section as it carries less risk to the mother and fetus [1]
We present a case of successfully managed sudden cardiac arrest during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia secondary to hypoglycemia
Her electrocardiography (ECG) showed normal cardiac activity with no sign of ischemia, and echocardiography was normal. Both the mother and her newborn were discharged on the 7th postoperative day. This is a case of sudden cardiac arrest during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia
Summary
Hypoglycemia during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Identifying patients at risk of developing hypoglycemia, monitoring the patient’s condition, and initiating prompt intervention at the first sign of cardiovascular instability is advisable. Determining serum blood glucose levels at admission to the labor ward and monitoring blood glucose levels during spinal anesthesia should be routine practices
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