Journal Watch: Epinephrine Impairs Lipid Rescue for Local Anesthetic Toxicity

Local anesthetic toxicity is a situation one hopes to never be involved with, especially bupivicaine-induced toxicity. Fortunately the use of intralipid as an antidote has spread far and wide and is now (hoepfully) in every location where you provide anesthesia services.

In a study published in the September issue of Anesthesiology a rodent model using an escalating dose of epinephrine past 10 mcg/kg was shown to increase mortality. Something to keep in mind. Again not sure how this will translate to an emergency situation but something to be aware of nonetheless.

Lipid rescue is something that needs more publicity in my opinion. Cases like this one in Florida can and should be avoided at all costs.