anesthesia in pregnant patients. This study was designed to identify patients at risk for postspinal hypotension based on preoperative vital signs before and after an orthostatic challenge. Methods: Forty healthy women scheduled for elective Cesarean section were enrolled in this prospective trial. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded with the patient in the lateral supine posi...

Vasovagal episodes occur frequently in young healthy patients undergoing venous cannulation and loco-regional anaesthesia. We report two cases of severe coronary vasospasm and non-Q-wave infarction in healthy young women after administration of ephedrine for vasovagal symptoms at the onset of spinal anaesthesia. In the light of unopposed vagal predominance pre-disposing patients to coronary vas...

A previously healthy 29-year-old man was admitted with palpitations, dizziness, and near-syncope after he had recently started taking weight loss pills purchased on the internet. The pills contained caffeine and ephedrine. An electrocardiogram and telemetry revealed multiple episodes of non-sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, which was successfully treated with amiodarone. In conclus...