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Refractory Cardiogenic Shock During Tramadol Poisoning: A Case Report

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Abstract

Tramadol is a weak opioid analgesic indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Tramadol intoxication can be lethal, and this drug is frequently involved in voluntary overdose. Classically, tramadol intoxication is associated with neurological and respiratory side effects. In contrast, cardiac effects are poorly documented in the literature. We report a case of severe tramadol intoxication, with plasma concentration 20 times the toxic threshold, complicated by refractory cardiogenic shock, successfully treated by extra corporeal life support (ECLS) with a favorable cardiac outcome and ECLS weaning at day 10. Seizure, clonus, and nonreactive mydriasis were present during 4 days, and complete awakening was delayed to day 15. Poisoning caused by high doses of tramadol can lead to refractory cardiogenic shock, and ECLS can be considered as effective rescue therapy in this context.

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Abbreviations

ECLS:

Extra corporeal life support

LVEF:

Left ventricular ejection fraction

OTI:

Orotracheal intubation

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Réanimation Médicale, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire J. MINJOZ, Boulevard Fleming, 25030, Besançon, France

    Nicolas Belin, Gilles Capellier & Gaël Piton

  2. Pôle Pharmaceutique, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire J. MINJOZ, 25030, Besançon, France

    Anne-Laure Clairet

  3. Service de Chirurgie Cardiaque, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire J. MINJOZ, 25030, Besançon, France

    Sidney Chocron

Authors
  1. Nicolas Belin
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  2. Anne-Laure Clairet
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  3. Sidney Chocron
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  4. Gilles Capellier
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  5. Gaël Piton
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Correspondence to Gaël Piton.

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Belin, N., Clairet, AL., Chocron, S. et al. Refractory Cardiogenic Shock During Tramadol Poisoning: A Case Report. Cardiovasc Toxicol 17, 219–222 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-016-9373-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-016-9373-z

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