Even with prompt management, anaphylaxis can progress to cardiac arrest. ANZAAG now suggests that a systolic blood pressure of less than 50mmHg should be treated as cardiac arrest and managed using the ALS non-shockable algorithm. ⚡️💥🫀
The key differences with the ALS algorithm that may save your patient’s life are:
👉 The use of chest compressions to maintain organ perfusion and circulate adrenaline
👉 Potentially larger doses of adrenaline (1mg) as part of the non-shockable rhythm
👉 The assessment of the 4Hs and Ts as other possible causes
In suspected anaphylaxis that progresses to cardiac arrest, remember to:
👉 Keep giving large volumes of fluids
👉 Remove any possible triggers
👉 Press the emergency bell
👉 Consider other causes (see the differential diagnosis card)
You have an important role in continuously checking if your patient meets the criteria for ALS management. Remember to alert your team of the systolic drops below 50mmHg. 👇🏼‼️
Check out our Live Series sessions on ALS and Anaphylaxis to learn more!
Ref: https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/anae.16156
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